Authentic and Meaningful Learning

The method of learning I have chosen from the Technology Integration Matrix, falls under the category of "Adaptation and Constructive". This in my opinion is leaked to the first learning category of the International Society of Technology Education(ISTE) and speaks directly to A through D.

The example I have chosen speaks to the ISTE standard of learning with technology in a meaningful way. The students are using technology and making use of tools logically. The kids are working in a group using collaborative skills to determine the effects of a weather condition. Using this real world application makes the learning experience more meaningful. The kids can understand the importance of each aspect of determining the effects of certain weather conditions.

All of the students are separated in taking on real life roles as scientist, mathematician, sociologist, and technologist. They have to determine how they can redirect a hurricane before it becomes to destructive. Their final solution will be a digital presentation using a prototype.

I found this to be the most unique of all the projects because there is an amalgamation of four important disciplines, needed to determine the most effective strategy to solve this complex problem.

Students should be directed to interact with real world applications in order to explore their creative thinking. They need to understand the importance of collaborating and working as a team. If they see their peers working to accomplish a task they will want to buy in an become competitive.

The aforementioned project supports the ISTE standard.

#1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and creativity.

a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and
inventiveness.

The problem is identified and teacher has designed the learning activity such a way that it directly speaks to a.

b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic
problems using digital tools and resources.

The teacher is involved with directing the students on how to use web-applications for both research for investigation.

c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and
clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning,
and creative processes.

Here the teacher is encouraging students to interact with one another to share their information to promote all the above.

d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning
with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual
environments.

The teacher explains in his narrative how he engages in the learning process with the kids.

This learning exercise encapsulates ISTE standard 1. It is exemplary of the benefits of such an learning experience. It has also given me more ideas to promote creativity by using technology in the classroom. The class Curr518 has equipped me with sufficient hands on knowledge, which will allow me to use more web-based technological applications in the classroom.