CEdu 521 - Class #2

In class today, we watched a video from the George Lucas Foundation. It was based on Project Based Learning and provided us with lots of concrete examples of how it can work in our classrooms. I was struck by how well everyone seemed to work together. I think that would take some time and practice. When I have done group projects, I have always had issues with getting everyone to do their share. Some of the kids tend to goof around while others end up doing all the work. I know Patty mentioned this in one her entries - our seventh and eighth graders are ability grouped for the core subjects. In one way, that is wonderful because I can cover so many more topics in math with my advanced groups. On the other hand, it makes projects difficult. The higher group does a great job and stays focussed (for the most part), but the lower group is VERY difficult to work with in that kind of situation. When we did the Google Docs presentations, the results were night and day. We do have the typical 50 minute class schedule, as well. That makes it difficult to really "get into" a project, especially with the lower group. As Patty mentioned, half the class is sometimes spent reviewing the last class. I don't really know what the answer is or how to fix our situation, but it is definitely something to think about. PBL really seems to be an effective way to make the learning permanent for the students.

The discussion we had about PBL and time frames was very worthwhile. I think that sometimes I am the only one who has reservations about some of the things we are learning. It is nice to see that others face the same obstacles and that we can discuss ways to resolve the problems.

Project-Based Learning

In class this week, we were introduced to LoTi (Level of Technology Implementation). This was something completely new to me. I have always known that I could be doing a lot more in the way of integrating technology into my classes, but I thought I was doing pretty well. After reading the various levels, I now realize how far I still have to go! I also realized that my level of integration depends on the class I am teaching. I am doing far better with my math classes than I am with my reading classes. Right now my math level is probably a 2 or a 3, but my reading level is no more than a 1. I am anxious to learn how I can improve my level of integration in all the classes I teach.

I am excited to learn more about project-based learning. I have only looked at a few of the videos so far, but I already have some great ideas I would like to try out. I found more than one video concerning the "Math Trail". The students use digital photography and iPhoto to create and solve real world math problems. It sounds like such a neat idea that I may use it for the unit plan we have to create in this class.