RR #6: Project Launch Implementation Strategies

1. How does Technology tools encourage students to be reflective and evaluate their own strengths?: 
Students will use tools that they know as well as help others who may need help using tools. This process right here shows their strength to their knowledge of using tools . They will also get better at organization which will increase their professionalism.  Through using technology tools students will be able to evaluate the success of efforts, direction, and overcome obstacles.They will fill out student evaluations before and at the end of their projects which will show them their strengths and what they are learning. Blogs are a great way for students to reflect over time what they are learning about. Also taking surveys helps students recognize their interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
2. What are several ways in which we can get students minds ready for a project?
Its important to use KWL charts to know how much prior knowledge the student has. Also getting the students attention is really good because than the students can explore and think about the topic. Brining in a poster or movie about the topic will gain the students attention and the students will get excited about the topic, bringing in mystery guests is another great way. Having students research a little bit to get them ready for the overall project so they know some information. Also discrepant events and role playing predictions are a great way to grow the students curiosity, and use of technology!
3. What are the elements of teaching fundamentals first?:
Its important to teach prerequisite knowledge that students are going to need in order for them to work independently and know what to look for in their investigation. Teaching fundamentally helps students get pointed in the right direction. Its important to give the students a starting point for their research. Besides doing the KWL chart to know where your students are at with their knowledge, what they want to know, and what they wonder; its important to try to get students to have deeper questioning. Also give the students their assessment rubric so that way they know how they need to perform to get the grades they want.
4. What are the important steps in preparing students for using technology in the project?:
Setting up opportunities for the students to learn the technology they will be working with and becoming familiar with it. Another way is to have a meeting with the parents as well to help the parents with the technology as well as the students because it is new to everyone. Students should be able to teach others technology through teachers setting up computer stations with things on the database that students will be using for their projects.Discussing the purpose for each tool and expectations will help using technology go more smoothly. Creating a project log or journal gives the students another tool to help track their progress towards goals and reflections. Also if the teacher is well knowledgeable on the tool its important to demonstrate the use of the tool. Using your technology specialist is also a great way to help show students and even you as a teacher the way to use technology that you are going to be using for the project because they know technology and are coaches for the school to help promote success in the technology integration aspect of learning. Its really important that students really master these applications we use in class because they can be used for real world projects and activities as well.
5. What are some ways to promote inquiry and deep learning?:
Its important to guide students with choosing questions, planning investigations , and putting their plan into action. Challenging students interests is important to get a deeper understanding of the project and what objectives your trying to have your students learn. Having students ask which one questions and how questions will promote more on collecting information and making informed decisions also to understand different types of problems. Its important as teachers to have students write down questions in their own words and than probe them deeper so that way students use a deep understanding approach. Also never give students the answer right away let them come up with the answers themselves.
6.  How do concepts in this chapter relate to our topic of gardening?
Its important that with all the technology applications we decide to use that we go through them with the students so that way they can get a good start with how all the technology works. Also we will be using an inquiry approach with our students and probe their thinking by asking many follow up questions. Also I will have students journal about their progress each day and what they are learning to practice reflection and evaluating their own strengths.