Reading Reflection #8: Building Connections and Branching Out

1. What are some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom?
Using technology or digital tools really makes it easier for students to branch out and talk to different diverse people throughout the world. Blogs are great way for communication beyond the classroom as well. Having students using the PBL approach will have students be able to help students with real audiences which is breaking them apart for only classroom learning. Connecting students with experts on a given subject is a great way to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom. Another way is branching out of the classroom by having pen pals in another state or country and using the resources from the other school to benefit your students learning. Another great thing is for students to be able to share their research and findings!
2. What is the EAST Initiative Model?
EAST represents the environmental and Spatial technologies network. It is a network that demonstrates benefits using technology to solve problems and make improvements in the communities they live in. Students use different technological tools and master them to help their communities. The technology gives these students interest in the projects they choose to help with. It follows the ideas of student driven learning, authentic project based learning, technology as tools , and collaboration.
3. Why should students "lead" their projects!?
When students lead students are uncovering how they learn for themselves as well as pushing through their struggles themselves. Students can also design their own project based on their learning necessities so that way their learning will be reflected in a way that they created and spent time on. Learning is beyond just doing the project the more interested a student is in how they create the project the better the student will do on it.
4. How do these concepts in this chapter relate to gardening?
Well the students are basically working together in groups to grow plants, collect data , and than sell their vegetables to a market. They have to do all the research in how to do all those things which are the ways that the students are leading their projects on their own. Us as teachers will be there is they need help or a guide but we will encourage teamwork and peer help before we come in. Also students can meet with experts on gardening and economy to discuss things to figure out some of their questions and their research instead of just looking online or getting lectured.