Session+5

=Session 5=

=Project Based Learning= media type="custom" key="9972315" width="120" height="120"

As a Spanish teacher, I am my own department in my school. :) I see my K-4 students once a week for 30-45 minutes and my 5th and 6th graders twice a week for 45 minute periods. As we know, the planning involved in project-based learning is a much more time consuming task. In my case, I would have to find and coordinate time to collaborate with multiple teachers as I teach seven different grades. Project-based learning exists on a small level in my situation. If I know third graders are studying communities, I can gear my lessons towards communities. If I know second grade is doing the life cycles of animals, I can integrate that concept into my teaching. On a more grandiose scale, I am lacking the time to fully integrate project based learning in my classroom. I have content that I need to cover, as provided to me in the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Frameworks. For me to cover what I need to cover AND try to cover other content from other classes in my 45 minutes a week proves very challenging.
 * 1. What opportunities for project based learning currently exist within your department?**

Project based learning provides unlimited possibilities for our students. The students are engaged in projects that simulate real life. As opposed to traditional, distinct subject learning, project based learning allows students to engage in multiple areas of learning. When the students are required to investigate something in order to come to a conclusion about a bigger picture, it makes it more meaningful. The student has purpose for the investigation. In project based learning, the students not only have to find the information but they are also encouraged to draw conclusions and collaborate with their peers to come to these conclusions. Being able to express themselves about what they are learning solidifies the learning as well. Because project based learning requires that students are doing their own research, they are able to find connections to their own real interests. Project based learning helps students become independent thinkers. This is our ultimate goal in guiding students today.
 * 2. What opportunities does project based learning provide for our students?**

One of the potential weaknesses that I believe exist in project based learning is the scheduling of classes. In order to execute project based learning, there needs to be enough time for presentation of the assignment, guiding the students through the process and then letting them investigate and come up with a final product. In a traditional 45 minute class time, one pbl could potentially take months.
 * 3. What potential weaknesses exist in this approach to education?**

Another potential weakness is the lack of technology students may have outside of school. This can be deflected by libraries and students staying after school. Computer labs may need to be monitored by teachers after school hours to give students the opportunity to work on their studies outside the regular school day.

= ﻿ 5 ﻿.4 Glogging = media type="custom" key="9977351"

Usefulness in the classroom I do see how this could be a very useful tool in the classroom. I have only seen the free version of glogster, so I don't know how much it differs from the paid version. But I can say, in comparison to Powerpoint, it isn't as user-friendly. In my opinion, there are some awkward aspects of Glogster. For example, the textboxes I had chosen were rarely the right size that I needed for what I had to say. There didn't seem to be enough space. I would imagine it would get easier and it's just something that needs to be used and practiced. I do see how creative it can be and I do like the ready-made aspect of the images, frames, etc. I can see how the students could truly enjoy the creation of a Glogster poster. I do like how it's an online poster. The students don't have to worry about going to CVS and buying a poster board, cutting, pasting, printing from the computer, gluing and finding markers. So much is ready-made. Let their imagination and what they learned run free!!