This module has helped me think about the impact of the Internet on my students’ learning in the following ways...

I have never thought of how the use of the computer and Internet could enhance the leaning of my students until this module. This can happen when they use written communication in email, on-line chat or instant messaging. On-line chat and IM'ing would cause the student to "think on their feet" so to speak. I have found that many students have a hard time "getting thoughts" down, but when they have to "talk" via the Internet they get to practice skills we teach in the classroom, for example writing skills, spelling and grammar.

Another tool that I have become interested in is the on-line surveys and opinion polls. I can see using them to gain knowledge about the students. This in turn, will impact the students learning by allowing me to plan units based on the students interest and meet the standards.

I really like the use of interactive documents or spreadsheets that the students can collaborative use to enhance their learning while making it mandatory for the students to use and respond the each others work. I feel this will engage the students in THEIR learning. All of these tool, are part of the 21st century, learning how to use them will allow the students to become citizens in our global world.

How can projects help my students meet standards and develop 21st century skills?

•How can I use projects to enhance student learning?


This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways...

So this was hard for me to get back to... Errr but I am here.

Back to the questions. Projects can help my students meet standards and develop 21st century skills by teaching them to work well with others while making thoughtful decisions and taking initiative to solve complex problems. They become self-managed and learn to communicate effectively. These are all skill that employers are wanting in their workforce.
PBL will meet standards because it is driven by important questions that are tied to standards. PBL also develops content knowledge, promotes student inquiry and higher order thinking.
Given the fact, that most people are motivated when they can see the usefulness of the given task at hand or learning I can use PBL to enhance their learning by giving them tasks that they will find meaningful.
This module has challenged me to change the way I teach. I have been very traditional in my teaching methods, lecture, testing pencil paper etc. This scares me because I am not sure that I will be able to "fit" it all in. Sitting and thinking about PBL I realize that it can be taken in small baby steps.