Blog Post #6

Conversations with Anthony Capps
In the video Project Based Learning Part 1 Dr. Strange and Anthony Capps discussed project based learning. Mr. Capps talks about his third grade class and how much they enjoy project based learning. He states that the most important thing is content. Teachers must find content that most interests their students and makes them want to learn more. It is important that the students have an authentic audience so that they are motivated to do good quality work.

The second video was Project Based Learning Part 2 here Mr. Capps talks about his favorite project based learning assignment. This was on cultures and ways of life in other Countries. His students were allowed to do their own research. He says that you should never limit your students and to let them explore their own options. Mr. Capps says that giving your students a choice gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their work. This video really shows that kids do enjoy project based learning and everyone benefits from it.

The next video was iCurio . iCurio is an online filtered tool that allows students to safely search the web. This site allows you or your students to save things such as, unfinished work to help keep them organized. This is helpful to the students so that if they do need to stop working in the middle of their search they have a safe and organized place to keep what they have already researched. This sounds like a great site to use in the classroom and I will definitely use it in mine.

The forth video I watched was Discovery Education . Discovery Education is a tool used to help students get the best understanding of a topic. As Mr. Capps said, if a teacher is not and expert on a topic, discovery ed helps bring experts into the classroom. Dr. Strange goes on to make a very valid point by saying that students these days are "listen and watch learners". We tend to get a better understanding by listening and watching the explanation. I completely agree with that point, so I believe that Discovery Ed is a great tool.

In the video Tips For Teachers Part 1 we learn some key things for teaching. First, Dr. Strange states that we as teachers must be interested in learning as well as our students. If we as teachers are not willing to learn can we expect our students to be? Secondly, Mr. Capps says " work is not separate from play in teaching" we must enjoy our work in and out of the classroom. Next, teachers need to always be prepared for the unexpected, being flexible and creative is always important in any teaching situation. Their next point is engagement "no student left behind" Mr. Capps makes a great point in saying that it is important to always be completely engaged with our students so that we know that they understand. Lastly, reflection this is the goal. It is important that students reflect on their work and always make the corrections that need to be made, so that next time they know how to do it correctly.

In the video Use Technology Don't Teach It Mr. Capps says that teachers should not teach technology, at first this statement threw me off, but he makes excellent points to back it up. He says that instead of teaching it, let the students use the programs and figure them out themselves. This is something that is easy for third graders! He allows them to explore the programs on their own so that they get a better understanding. Honestly I wish that my third grade teacher would have allowed me to do this, even at 20 I still have a tough time with technology.

The last video was Additional thoughts about Lessons here Mr. Capps speaks about having 4 layers of teaching. The first being the year, in your year you must be sure that you cover all of your content standards required. The second layer is about making sure that somehow all of your lessons throughout your year are connected like a "unit". The third layer is your week, it is important that within your week the daily work is completed. Lastly, is your daily lesson and how you deliver it to your students. How are you going to involve them and make them want to know more?

Overall, I think that these videos were extremely important and filled with great advice on project based learning as well as being a teacher as a whole. Project based learning is a great thing to use in the classroom and the students seem to love it! Technology, although not my strongest is also crucial in the classroom these days. I will most definitely take this with me to the next level.