Blog Post #6

Conversations with Anthony Capps

Project Based Learning: Experiences of a Third Grade TeacherPart 1 and Part 2

I learned a lot of new information about Project Based Learning through the video conversations between Dr. Strange and Anthony Capps. Mr. Capps explained that Project Based Learning is a way to encourage students to learn, not a tool to display what they have already learned and achieved. He also discusses the requirements for an effective project. A good project should include all of the following components: authentic audience, student interest, community involvement when appropriate, and content driven. As teachers, we want our students to be motivated to do their very best. It is important that we create projects that allow our students to reach their full potential. I learned that we should not limit the minds of our students, but we should encourage them to go above and beyond what we think they will be able to accomplish. You never know what you are capable of until you are presented with a challenge. I enjoyed the examples given by Capps of the projects he has done in the past with his students. He explains how beneficial Project Based Learning can be for the teachers as well. By creating projects, you are able to incorporate a variety of the standards which are required to cover by the state. Another aspect of Project Based Learning is student choice. By allowing your students to have an opinion, you are giving them a feeling of pride and ownership of their work. Students are more likely to stay engaged when they get that feeling of accomplishment. As Mr. Capps stated, "When students are engaged, they're learning."

iCurio

Before this video, I had never heard of iCurio. I was interested to find out more, and now I see it as a very helpful online tool for the classroom. Mr. Capps explains the different features of iCurio and how useful it is for his students. iCurio is a tool that searches websites that have been filtered for educational purposes, so basically it serves as a search engine for students. It also acts as a storage capacity, where you are able to store content that you find valuable. It is great for virtual organization, which is a feature I think I would personally enjoy. According to Mr. Capps, it is a very kid friendly search engine. iCurio can also block content that would be inappropriate for a child to see. Overall, iCurio sounds like it would be a great addition to an elementary classroom.

Discovery Education

Discovery Education is another resource that I had no knowledge of prior to these conversation videos. It is another useful tool for Project Based Learning, which provides a visual to go along with text content. This is extremely important, because you are more likely to retain information once you have actually seen it with your own eyes. Mr. Capps explains the benefits of Discovery Education for students and teachers. It brings text to life and enriches research experience for students. Mr. Capps encouraged his students to use Discovery Education for a project on plants. They were able to research the type of plants they needed information about, and Discovery Education gave them videos to strengthen their knowledge. I think this is a great example of how helpful this resource is, because sometimes a video can give a greater explanation than a teacher.

Anthony-Strange List of Tips for Teachers

Five Key Tips for Teachers:
1) Be interested in learning.
2) It's hard work, but fun and rewarding.
3) You must be flexible and creative.
4) Start with the end in mind.
5) Reflect- How can I make it better?

Don't Teach Tech- Use It

Technology should not be a part of the curriculum. You can incorporate the use of technology without wasting time and teaching it. Technology should be used in the classroom to get students excited about what they are doing and as a way for them to share their work. I was sort of shocked/embarrassed to hear how Mr. Capps' third grade students could work iMovie with little to no instruction. It took me a while to get used to the program before I could use it effectively. It's amazing that third graders are able to grasp new technology so easily. Mr. Capps pointed out three very important points about using technology. First, we should give our students opportunity. They should be allowed to explore different technology resources to assist them with their work. Also, we should not expect perfection. If it doesn't go right on the first try, encourage your students to ask questions and put their problem-solving skills to the test. His last point was, "Do it yourself, first." If we already have experience, we will be able to understand why a student might be asking a certain question. If we don't know the answer, we can figure it out together. Mr. Capps also explained how to introduce technology to your students. The best way to do this is by introducing one tool at a time, and build on it each week. I think the statement Mr. Capps made sums it up perfectly. "Never teach technology, but introduce it smartly."

Additional Thought about Lessons

Anthony Capps shared the four components required to make one lesson:

1) Year Plan- Will I cover all of my content standards?
2) Unit Plan- Have I devised unit projects in a meaningful way?
3) Week Plan- Will I be able to get everything done each day of the week? Will I reach my goals for the week?
4) Daily Plan- How should I deliver to my students? (hook to gain attention, how to keep them engaged, measure what they have learned, etc.)