C4T #2

I received Michael Gorman. In his post, he discussed how PBL, STEM, and Tech Integration all work together. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This covers the new common core standards teachers are supposed to cover. PBL and tech integration are the ways to achieve these standards. Through tech integration, PBL is achieved. A teacher plans a project around one of the components of STEM. They introduce the students to new technologies that will aid them in their project. Think of it as going on a trip. Technology is the vehicle, PBL is the journey, and STEM is the destination. In my comment, I told Gorman that we just learned about PBL in EDM310, so I particularly enjoyed his post. I didn't fully experience PBL until taking this class. It has been a great learning experience and has better prepared me for being a future educator.

His second post was about using technology to create a blended learning experience. Gorman wanted to point out that integrating technology into the classroom doesn't automatically mean that the

students will have a blended learning experience. There needs to be a follow up session after the technology is used for students to reflect on. Gorman includes 10 ways technology should be used:

1. Reach beyond the classroom walls for learning opportunities, collaboration, and audience
2. Create a student driven/centered learning environment
3. Allow for collaborative experiences in and out of the classroom
4. Permit student control over learning, allowing for important voice and choice
5. Provide opportunities for remixing of information leading to innovation and creativity
6. Give opportunities for personalized and differentiated learning
7. Promote convergent and divergent thinking  in order to promote inquiry and critical thinking 
8. Encourage student invention of new products and possibilities to demonstrate learning
9. Exploring authentic and real learning experiences.
10. Establishing opportunities for anytime/anywhere learning.

In my comment, I told Gorman about my old high school. We received several technology grants. Our school had the newest/best technologies out of all the surrounding districts. However, the students didn't benefit from it because the teachers didn't know how to implement it properly. Having technology available is good, but you have to know how to make using it meaningful.