Blog Post 6

What I learned from Anthony Capps

Anthony Capps shared some wonderful information in his video Project Based Learning Part 1. Project based learning is a different form of teaching the students to learn required material from the ACCRS. Anthony says, "It not only means that students achieved something, but it's a way to get them to learn something as well." The projects need to engage the students so that the student will be interested in what they are learning. They learn more that way and they will enjoy the process also. Project based learning should be used to get the student to really thinking about what they are learning. Also, always allow the student time to revise and reflect. It is the most important step after students complete their work.

Anthony’s video Project Based Learning Part 2 is just as informative as the first one. Anthony says, "Never limit your students in project based learning by telling them what to do. Always create the opportunity for them to go beyond what you want them to do." As teachers, we never want to set limitations on what the students should be learning. The students are capable of just about anything. Therefore, it is imperative that we as teachers come up with meaningful content in the student’s projects.

He also introduces two programs that I had never heard of before that are called iCurio and Discovery Ed. With iCurio, students are free to search a controlled website that only allows safe and education content. Not only can they search, they can store their findings. This program also offers the student a directory. With the directory, they can search historical figures and it's great for any grade level. Discovery Ed is a program where student can see a professional video along with the picture that comes up in the search. The videos contain experts in what they are trying to find. It's a great tool for students to further their studies without just seeing pictures.

Not only did Anthony tell about Project Based Learning, he and Dr. Strange also gave five Tips for Teachers. The first one is to remember that there will always be something new to learn, so get interested in it. Second, your free time will be your learning time. Third, have a goal in mind when you start teaching. Fourth, be creative while working with the class to keep the all the students interested. The fifth and final tip is to always have reflection time for students to see and correct their mistakes.

Use Tech Don't Teach It is another one of the helpful videos that Anthony supplied. It tells us as aspiring teachers to not just show the students how to work the technology. Give them a chance to play with it first and explore for themselves. Then, once you feel that the students are ready to progress forward, make the assignments a little more in depth. After all, Anthony says, "Technology should not be taught."