Throughout this course, I was afforded the opportunity to expand my understanding and proficiency with digital media in the classroom. I believe that this course has been one of the most meaningful courses for me. I feel that this course gave me the chance to not only create lesson plans using new types of technology, but it, also, implement, review, and reflect on it when it is implemented in my classroom.
I was particularly attracted to the idea of Problem Based Learning (PBL) because it offers a medium for students to address a problem in an authentic and meaningful way. Instead of teachers lecturing and dictating lessons, the teacher becomes the facilitator while students are fully engaged in problem solving. Based on the structure of our Summer Discovery Camp, the students worked through thematic units instead of the traditional learning style. This summer, student worked on this lesson which correlated to these lessons. For this unit, the focus was around Montana. I created the first lesson where students created a Montana travel guide, the second lesson was about the Lewis and Clark Expedition (this was adapted from the original lesson plan), and the third lesson focused on Montana landmarks viewed through the lens place-based education as outlined in Indian Education for All.
Implementing these lessons, was both challenging and exciting. I enjoyed these lessons because it gave me the chance to shake up the old routine and teach in an entirely new and diverse ways. However, certainly utilizing technology in this way creates some management issues. I was fortunate that in the setting of Summer Discovery Camp, I had only about 12 students in my class compared to my usual 30 plus. Given this, I had enough netbooks for students to use their own. However, if I were to implement this lesson my classroom, I would have to work on restructuring it to accommodate effective group work. By far, the most meaningful aspect of this lesson was the impact it had on the students. The kids were so jazzed about these lessons that they didn’t even realize the extent of learning that was occurring. I had several students who wanted to skip recess to continue their project.
Throughout this course, I enjoyed working with my colleagues (my Walden classmates) to tweak and adjust my lesson plans. The advice and questions that I received helped me alter my lessons so that they were more articulated. I have certainly appreciated this constructive criticism. I feel that my lessons were so successful because of the observations and notes.
