Chapter 8 Reading Reflection

1.) How to Build connections and Branch Out:

Technology has made it possible to connect with people on a faster and wider scale. Whether it be through blogs, digital story-telling projects or live cam tours of a deep sea diving experience, technology has made it possible to branch out and see things that could have never been possible. Technology can be a personal motivation for students to discover their writing voice and verbalize their opinions through blogs and digital aged projects.  This can result in building connections  with people on a global scale because of the accessibility of information and the instant feedback that is able to be received and utilized. 

 Technology also helps students to branch out and network more efficiently  with experts regarding research projects or just getting information.  Students can gain information about a topic much quicker now and by being so quick, students and teachers will have more opportunities to engage in other projects. The skills that are acquired and necessary  to be  efficient with technology, as well as the PBL process are:  being well-prepared when networking with experts and professionals such as,  efficiency with questions, brainstorming the idea that needs to be communicated and taking as many opportunities needed to retain the information. 

2.) The EAST Initiative Model:

The Environmental and Spacial Technologies, otherwise known as the "EAST" Initiative Model focuses on addressing real problems and raising awareness  to solve problems and make improvements in their communities on environmental issues. They utilize Geo-spatial programs such as  GPS, GIS and CAD's to map out trails that people can use or in another instance  design a museum dedicated to WW 2 Vets. These students use technology to make a real difference in communities and to advocate for changes. Technology can be used to improve the lives of others through raising awareness and calling attention to issues reaching larger audiences. 

Characteristics of the EAST model have four main ideas  that can be replicated in all classrooms:

1. Making the projects student driven: Students should be motivated by the topic and interested in learning more about it. 
2. Authentic Project Based Learning: The project needs to be realistically relevant and have results that engage their community or find solutions for issues affecting their community. 
3. Technology as Tools:  Technology has to be a key factor in a PBL setting. It needs to be accessible and up to date with modern technology.
4. Collaboration: Students, like teachers and most everyone else in the workplace, need to be able to communicate ideas, collaborate to accomplish authentic projects.

3.) Letting Students Lead the Project: Why?

One reason students need to lead the project is because when the student is interested in something and they care, then the result can only be a better project. If you listen to a kid asking a question (which usually they have a ton of them) they aren't about allusive topics or things that aren't interesting. We are fortunate now to live in an age where those questions can lead to a broader knowledge of their interest. These occurrences can happen on an academic level, so long as it relates to something currently applicable. 

Projects can lead to future professional endeavors. A student may fall in love with a subject that was covered during a project because with projects, students have to delve deep  to understand what they are learning.  It's not a situation where you hear it, practice it, write it, then forget it and move on. Projects require time, interest and the yearning to gain information about a subject that can be effective in reality and future ideas.

4.) The concepts that most identify with out project of   Writing and producing a play have been how useful technology has been with preparing and planning this project. Even though the title is so simple- Writing and Producing a play, there are so many aspects to this. Technology has broadened my view of what it takes to make a project fun and and all the learning opportunities that make the project dense. There is so much preparation involved and researching that by the end, I feel like I could write and produce a Broadway production (not really, but maybe a dive theatre production).