Blog Post #6

Link to image: proctorfree.com

Project Based Learning Part 1

Project Based Learning Part 2

1. After watching these videos, I understood more of what a "good" project means from the examples Anthony gave and the feedback that those projects received from his students as well as their parents. Anthony himself stated the major key points of a project in his videos beginning with having an authentic audience that motivates the students to do their very best and perhaps even push further beyond the goals than anticipated. Second, Anthony spoke of the student's interests and how in his projects students were much more involved and provided more input when the project considered subjects relevant to the students. Anthony also included that the project should show how the assignment is related to the community and the actual real world relevance and the students are learning just "burp back" information. As an educator, I feel that these concepts of an interesting project for students is detrimental and I myself know that I will be using these tools to develop young minds with knowledge that will help them become critical thinkers. 

iCurio

2. Honestly before this class I had never heard of iCurio, but after learning that it is an educational multimedia search engine i will be most likely using it all the time. The program is very organized and is actually a key tool in the improvement of student organization and is thorough in preparing them for the adulthood with iCurio's virtual organization. Also, the application of this search engine is very useful considering the time restraints the modern classroom entails with only 50 minute class intervals and breaks for lunch throughout the day. 

Discovery Education

3. Discovery Education is a wonderful tool that can be used for finding visuals for a certain academic topic. Whether it be from science, math, of social studies their are visuals present to educate the child more effectively than just reading it. Students, speaking from my point of view as a current student, are more likely to retain knowledge from videos about the subject just as Anthony has stated in his video. 

The Anthony- Strange Tips for Teachers Part 1

4. After watching this video, I myself feel more comfortable going into the realm of education when listening to these various tips for beginning educators. I realize that as teachers we are also constant learners alongside our students and though it is hard work it will be fun and rewarding in the end. Also, an excellent tool for educating is being flexible and creative in your own right and anticipating when things go bad but also fixing the situation to benefit yourself as well. Constant reflection is also a key factor in reviewing what was done and how to improve the project better or change it entirely to benefit the students.

Use Tech Dont Teach IT

5. By teaching students to use technology instead of teaching them about the technology, the students are more motivated to learn the subject at hand. Children are more adept at technology than ever before and will continue to surprise with their aptitude for it. By teaching the students to use technology that they already know and understand to find information, they do not necessarily feel bored and are show more interest in the class. It is evident that a classroom that doesn't use technology will be left behind academically.

Additional Thoughts About Lessons

6. I learned in this video from Anthony's own input the key elements of the standard lesson. To begin with, one must find out how the lesson is incorporated into the year, or the curriculum for that year. Then find out how to prepare the unit for the class by devising a way to reach an outcome at the end of the semester by learning other tools beforehand. After unit comes how to prepare that unit into various weeks that progress to the aforementioned goal. And lastly, consider that daily assignments and activities and how to progress the next day in a smooth and cohesive transition.