Reading Reflection 3

1. Discussion on what should be considered in finding “the Big Idea” for a project.

When finding the “Big Idea” there are many things we have to look for as teachers. One of these is what the “Big Idea” actually is, which is the important concepts and processes. We need to think about what our students should know after doing their projects. Also thinking about who can be involved in the project from the community is part of the big idea. Getting information from experts in what you are studying can be exciting and educational for our students. Showing students that the “Big Idea” relates to themselves, what they are learning, and how it can include their community.

2. Discussion on the 2lst Century skills.

When I read ‘21^st Century skills’ it sounded very complex and intimidating, but know I know it just means skills that we need to teach our students. Among these skills is the ability to create things and collaborate with each other. NETS is a place to look for help with 21^st Century Skills and relating them to the core subjects.

3. Discussion on the 21st Century literacies.

The ISTE NETS focus on the digital literacies.  These focus on developing processes, creative thinking and constructing knowledge. They help us with communication and group effort while using digital media. Using tools to get, examine and utilize data and understanding human problems with technology are also things the ISTE discuss. Overall the biggest part of these literacies is for our students to learn to be able to work on their own and understand the 21^st century world.

4. Discussion on each of the essential learning functions.

The first essential learning function is ubiquity or learning in and outside of the classroom. The biggest tools will be technology that will help students learn this way. The second is deep learning which is helping students to make meaning of information on their own. Making things visible and discussable is the third learning function which is it is easier to learn when things are right there in front of you and can be discussed. Expressing ourselves, Sharing Ideas, and Building Community allows students to learn more through others on the web. They can do all of these things by talking to other people on the internet or finding information. Collaboration is the fifth learning function; I believe working with others is the best way to learn. The sixths function is research, looking into questions that students have will help them to become more responsible, independent and learn more. A very important learning function is project management so that students can learn how to manage themselves and others to get a project done. The final essential learning function is reflection and iteration which helps students to recall their ideas, final work and what succeeded and what did not.

5. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

I think the essential learning functions are really important and can be helpful to us when we are doing our projects this semester. We can think about what our students need to do to succeed and be independent. I believe that the “Big Idea” is also really important. I think that sometimes teachers can lose sight of this and become consumed by the project when we really need to focus on what the students are learning and how we can best help them learn.