reflection 3

1. Discussion on what should be considered in finding “the Big Idea” for a project.

          Teachers reflecting on the most important concepts of what they are trying to teach is ultimately going to narrow in on the big head that they have for their students to learn. Making sure that the activites that they do involve something real in the world.  Setting up a real purpose for the project will help engage students and allow the assignment to really unfold. 
     2.Discussion on the 2lst Century skills.
       21st century skills are important they include attitudes, skills, as well as the subject that is being taught. Using 21st century skills, will push students to think outside the box, and add additonal leanring that otherwise wouldnt happen. Higher thinking involves students to analyze, evaluate and create. Projects can be taken one step further when students are given the tools/skills to asses the projects differrently.
3.  Discussion on the 21st Century literacies.
       Literacies isnt just reading and writing its pushing the students beyond that point. This is why 21st century skills are incorporated in the title. A student learns to be independent, aware and productive citizens. A project that details something in real life (21st century designed) it allows students to become more literate.
4. Discussion on each of the essential learning functions.
           1. ubiquity:  allowing students to learn wherever they are. This is a lot of differnt tools that students can use to learn when they are not in a school setting.
          2. deep learning : allows students to learn more and to really put a lot of thought into their work. Deep learning engages students in sorting through information and analyzing the information that they have gotten and then showing what they have found through design a representation of it.
          3. making things visible and discussable: by doing this students are able to prove that the information they have gathered is believable and that they have some kind of evidence to make a valid point.
          4. expressing ourselves: This type of tool allows students to share what they have come up with, with the world. Not only do they engage others in learning but they also are capable of learning from others by using the web.
        5. collaboration: collaborating allows students to join with others and express their ideas. This also allows students to learn together, and exchange services.
        6. research: internet research helps students make sense of the information that they are gathering and guides them on organizing it.
       7. project management: This is a use deal for students to be able to manage their time on projects and for them to be able to have access to project from anywhere. \
     8. reflection and iteration: Reflecting and anlyzing for the student of their own work is essential. They must learn to view their work how perhaps others will envision it. Learnig to be your own crtique is necessary.
5. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.
          Everything in this chapter is related to our project. We must make sure that we stay focused on what our students will be learning and keep pur "big idea" the main focus of the project. We also want our students to be learning what the 21st century skills are and how to use those skills. Those skills will help prepare them for the real world. 21st century skills will also help them outside of school. Essential learnign functions we can use all the tools listed there to aid our students in deeper thinking, analyzing their thoughts, mangaing their time on their project and making sure they use their time wisely.