Blog Post 6

  In this post, Anthony Capps and Dr. Strange discussed many teaching methods involving PBL. They discussed thoroughly the positives of PBL.

 The first video, “Project Based Learning Part 1”, is a two part video. In this first part, one important question that was addressed was addressed to Anthony by Dr. Strange. He asked "How do you approach PBL as a teacher?" Anthony says that as teachers we need to try a different method of teaching our students. PBL is a wonderful method. Let doing the project teach the children, not just doing a project off of what they have learned. Teachers need to create projects that will have the right content to be teaching their students while they do the project. Anthony talks a lot about his third grade class and how he got them interested on government matters through PBL.

 In “Project Based Learning Part 2”, they discuss PBL even more. Anthony and DR. Strange discuss not holding student back by giving exact expectations. Giving exact expectations usually doesn’t turn out like the educator planned. Students need creative exploration in PBL to show their strengths. Dr. Strange is a huge fan of PBL. They both discuss that a project may or may not work, but either way the student is still learning and gaining experience. This video makes me very interested in involving my future students in PBL. Learning through projects and experience is the future of the classroom.

 In the video,”iCurio”, Anthony and Dr. Strange review iCurio. iCurio is a search engine that is safe for children while they research all kinds of material and media online. Students and teachers can store material that they find valuable. This aspect is nice because students often get information, and then forget what website they got the information from. I like the concept of iCurio very much, because teachers as well as parents can have sound mind when their students/children research on the internet.

 In “Discovery Ed”, Anthony and Dr. Strange discuss the value of this website to teachers and students alike. Discovery Ed gives not only a picture or information about a subject, but gives a video for students to learn from. It brings professionals into the classroom by means of video. Dr. Strange says students are listeners/watchers. Anthony agrees in his statement, ”A picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million.”

 The fifth video’s title, “Anthony and Strange: Tips for Teachers Part 1”, is also the description. Anthony and Dr. Strange contribute basic points to instill in the classroom. Be interested in learning yourself, if you are not a learner, you won't be a successful educator. Teachers need to model learning for their students. Work is not separate from play. Let learning be fun again! Be Flexible and creative. Surprises will happen so don’t let anything be set in stone. Anthony recommends to Keep kids Engaged 100% of the time. Dr. Strange joked that this was a high standard. Reflecting and revision is a critical factor and goal.

 In the video, “Use Tech, Don't Teach it”, technology is best learned on your own, by practice. Technology comes natural for students/kids. Teaching technology shouldn't be the goal. Let the students use technology, such as Discover Ed and iMovie, to learn. Constantly using technology is a good way to learn and understand it. Technology is used and shareable in the real world. This is why students should learn it at a young age. Don't expect perfection, it’s impossible. Work and revise, work and revise, over and over. Anthony says “Never teach technology, just introduce it smartly.”

 In the video, “Additional Thoughts about Lessons”, Anthony explains how a lesson is four layers thick: the year, the unit, the week, the day. Following this process is important. Teaching too much at once won‘t be productive in the classroom. All four and their delivery to the students are equally important. It’s a measure of learned material. Following this plan will lead to a successful lesson.