Talladega PLC Yr 1

After participating in Module 1, I have come to realize that, although my desire is to create well-rounded, 21st Century “thinkers,” I have not pursued that in my instructional strategies or instructional design. I more fully understand the importance of in-depth coverage of a particular subject matter as opposed to “scraping the surface” of everything. I have not ever considered using projects to teach or guide my students and at one time, the process of “self-inquiry” and idea of “hands-on” was a bit scary. However, instruction from Module 1 has given me the courage to implement projects as an instructional strategy and instructional goal.

Module 1 has introduced me to, and made me see, the importance of Project-Based Learning. Teaching isn't drill and practice--students have to be able to think and learn for themselves; our world requires it. The skills acquired through PBL will go with students throughout every aspect of their lives.

After module one, I have more questions than answers to this new approach. I have great visions in my mind as we learn about project based learning. I worry about how to start and how to best teach my students about this approach. I need to list the necessary steps my students will need to follow to be successful.
There are so many wonderful units that could be covered using project based learning. I would like to get to the point where my students are able to branch out in their own directions and let the desire for knowledge be their guide.
One of the concerns I have is how to incorporate it into our daily classroom life. I feel so many of our programs are structured and feel constant pressure to ‘fit it all in’. I need to find a way to weave it all together.

Devon
Module 1 has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways:

First of all I know that I can teach my students 21st century skills that they definitely will need in the future workforce. I can also use these projects to enhance student learning. The past two weeks my students have been using our classroom MAC books to practice ARMT/SAT skills. Their whole attitude towards learning changed. It wasn’t the same old pencil and paper routine. Module 1 has given me the confidence to try new things in my classroom by implementing a unit project for my students.

I have a responsibility to my students to make them 21st century thinkers. Students need to be able to research, ask questions, analyze, respond critically, form hypothesis, and assess their progress. Students need to be able to use a computer in their everyday life. Through purposeful and project based learning, it makes this a fun experience

After reading Module 1, I now realize that I do need to “design” each unit to address a variety of learning objectives. To be a successful teacher, I must provide instruction, modeling, and multiple opportunities for students to develop skills. If I allow for additional practice, gifted students will enhance their skills and my special needs learners will also have the opportunity to experience success. As an instructional designer, I need to provide projects for my students to complete. By doing this, I have encouraged each of them to share in the learning process and to be responsible for their group’s success. This approach will make both teaching and learning more fun!

Module 1 has made me realize that I must give my students the skills they need for the 21st century. These skills include but are not limited to the following: Higher Order Questioning, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Group Collaboration, Cooperative learning, and leadership skills.

The possibilities are endless on ways to help my students to achieve these skills. My role as an instructional designer is to provide my class with meaningful projects. Class projects are awonderful example of one way teachers can actively engage their students into learning the 21st Century skills.

Module 1 has really opened my eyes to see that the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to using technology as a teaching tool. I never realized before that there were so many different ways to incorporate 21st technology into my classroom. I am more aware that it is my duty as an Instructional Designer to equip my students for the demands of a changing world. I wonder where we have heard that before????? Class Projects are a great way to incorporate many different skills that students need in order to help prepare them for the future.

I have realized that for my students to become 21st Century thinkers, I must take the lead role. Hopefully, through a better-designed curriculum, my students will take my lead to become better researchers, communicators, and collaborators.