Chapter 8 reflection

1. Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom.

Today’s classrooms have the most available connections to the world beyond the classroom. Students are able to reach out not only to other classrooms in their school but to schools on the other side of the world through blogs, skype, and other types of interactive communication. Students are able to connect with experts in the field of their assigned project via email, and other social media networks. Designing projects that encourage outside of classroom communications and research will support students growth outside of the four walls of the school.

2. Description of the EAST Initiative Model.

Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative Model is an education based program that utilizes technology to solve problem and make improvement in communities. Started in 1996 there are now more than 260 schools in seven states. It began in Alabama and proved to be very successful it then was replicated to hundreds of other teachers who sill continue professional development on this model. Tim Stephenson is credited with this program he figured out that it was the technology and problem solving that was bringing students to class who where before considered at risk of failing. There are four essential ideas of EAST; student driven learning, authentic project based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. At the end of each school year students are invited to a conference where they are able to show off their projects.

3. Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead” their projects.

When children are giving the opportunity to explore the world around them they will seek new information that an adult or teacher never would have expected. They see the world in a different light, when students are given the opportunity to be independent thinkers it helps develop responsibility.

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

We have to remember in this project that we might not always agree, and we have to allow for different ideas to flow. With our topic being about health and wellness we really need to incorporate technology, and persons from the field and from around the world to share their thoughts, opinions, and advice. We are working on a topic that could very well fit into an EAST class, with more research we could develop an amazing project for them.