Reflection 8

Building connections and branching out are a very important part of many 21 century projects.  The use of digital tools make it easier for the students to share their work with people outside of the classroom.  This might include family members, peers, local community members, and some of the world outside of that.  Connecting with experts is a very effective way for students to brand out.  An example of this would be students from around the world being able to watch an expert speak via a video.

EAST stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative.  This is a network of schools that have been showing the benefits of using technology to make improvements in their communities.  EAST students are allowed to choose the problems that interest them.  An example of a project that EAST students have completed would be the use of GPS, and other forms of technology, to map the trails of Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.

After the students have completed a few projects they may be ready to lead their own projects.  This may be as they are now know what is expected to be completed with this projects.  Students may also be able to lead if they are better at certain ways of learning.  The book used an example of a person with dyslexia.  The person hated to read, but enjoyed blogging as it was easier for him.  Students will also work harder on a project that they are more passionate about.

In this class we are given the privilege to lead our own project. Outside of telling us what types of technology that we need to use, there is not much that we are forced to do.  I feel a great deal of the students in class are having an easier time completing their projects.  Students at EAST are able to complete projects that have a subject that interests them.  We also were given the choice of what topic we wanted to pick.