Parker- Chapter 8 RR

Reading Reflection #8

1.     Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom

By using blogs students can grow into more competent and confident writers, knowing that others will be reading and commenting can be a powerful motivator. When projects are designed to incorporate inquiry, asking questions of experts becomes a natural component of the experience. Connecting students with experts requires some effort on the teacher’s part. Teachers who make this a regular part of the learning experience often state by developing a list of willing experts.

2.     Description of the EAST Initiative Model.

Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative is a network of schools that have been demonstrating the benefits of using technology for a real purpose.  The purpose is to solve problems and make improvements in their communities. These projects make use of geospatial technologies and multimedia tools that are more commonly found in professional labs or design studios. The students of the EAST model master these sophisticated tools and applications in context while solving community problems that interest them. EAST Initiative started in rural Arkansas in 1996 and has grown to include more than 260 schools in seven states.

3.     Discussion on some reasons to led students “lead” their projects.

Letting students lead their own projects will lead to them generating ideas that they are passionate about. They can generate a project that can tack an issue in their own life and the teachers don’t have to micromanage each project.

4.     Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/projects.

This relates to our topic/project because the students can decide what they want to learn about when it comes to weather monitoring. It also tells use that we don’t always have to be the expert on the topic we can find willing experts to lend the whole class knowledge and in turn the students can also become the experts.