Blog Post # 7

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Collaborative Group Assignment By: Malary Booker, Sarah Barnett, and Lauren Bradley

VIDEO 1:

One of the things that Anthony Capps really put into perspective was exactly what project based learning is all about. In his first video Capps told us that when carrying out the processes of project based learning students are creating something as they discover knowledge. The goal is to create a project with the content needed for learning within and throughout the project. Project based learning should relate to the real world and be relevant to students lives.
A great example of project based learning comes from one of Anthony Capps third grade classes. He and his students were learning about how women are now allowed to fight in combat. The students were to write a letter to the Congressmen Joe Bonner about their opinions on this subject. But, not before they got involved and formed opinions of their own through a project.
The students were to research using anything from iCurio to a book. They were to find a female or minority history figure that demonstrated success and that rose above challenges; such as the first female astronaut. They could also interview a family member or friend who served in war. Then they can go and use the information and decide whether they think it is appropriate. Then reflect on each others letters. While students are performing PBL they are also also meeting many social studies, writing, and reading standards.

VIDEO 2: In the second video with Anthony Capp’s, he discussed with us one of his favorite, effective PBL activities yet. His class was studying culture, specifically the culture in Afghanistan. His class was to search using iCurio for text, images, movies, activities and create an educational video of their own. Some students focused on food, some fashion, religion, warfare, or a blend of all. Third graders were using iMovie like a pro!!
The outcome of passion from this project was phenomenal. He discussed with us the reactions of his students, his colleagues, his principal and all his other “bosses”. He says students love project based learning. They are invested and engaged in their projects; and when they are engaged, they are learning. The only times the project receives negative feedback is when there is an fallace in collaboration. Principals, teachers and parents are enthralled with high approval ratings. With project based learning you are going to get more than you expect. Dont limit your students, create an opportunity for them to go beyond your expectations.

VIDEO 3:

In this video Capp’s discusses with us iCurio and why it is so effective in the classroom. iCurio allows students to safely search the web. iCurio has been curated through professionals and through educators and has been created for educational uses only. Another part of iCurio that is effective for classrooms is it allows students to search not only text, but videos, audio, images, you name it...even the standards at any grade level! Students are becoming more engaged and given more than one aspect of learning. Another thing iCruio contributes to the classroom is practicing organization, not only in the real world but organizing through technology or virtual organization.



By: Malary Booker“Don’t Teach Tech-Use It”: by Anthony Capps and Dr. Strange

I agree with what Anthony Capps says about technology. The world is advancing in technology every day and it must be incorporated into our curriculum when we start teaching. Dr. Strange was correct when he said that it probably takes less time for third graders to learn how to use iMovie then it does for his EDM 310 students. Children are able to learn so much faster at such a young age now. Anthony chooses one technology at a time to use in his class week by week so that the students are not overwhelmed with a lot at one time. I believe that this really is a great teaching strategy. Students will be using technology for the rest of their lives, so it is important for them to learn how to use it and incorporate into their daily lives while they are young.



BLOG POST BY: MALARY BOOKER