USF 678 Artifact #2

This course centered on using/infusing technology into existing curriculum.  One of the assignments that we had to complete was looking into Project Based Learning (PBL) with the use of technology in our content area.  PE is not the first content area that is thought of when thinking PBL, however, i was surprised when i sat down to think about it, that there were avenues that could be explored.  This link is the results of sitting down to think of PBL units.  More specifically, it was created with thinking about the end product first using Understanding by Design.  I found that thinking about what I want the students to produce, will help guide how to get there. 

USF 678 Artifact #1

This class had a variety of activities that allowed me to expand my horizon as a teacher.  One of those activities, was learning about grant writing.  I have always heard about grant writing and our district's educational foundation does an amazing job giving money out to teachers looking to expand their classrooms for students.  I have never written a grant before, nor have I thought about it.  The Naperville Education Foundation (NEF), has it's own application process for the teachers in the district. This class "forced" me to look into it and made me realize that the process isn't as daunting as I thought it was.
 This link is the grant I wrote for class assignment using the NEF Application for the 2017-2018 school year.  At the time I completed this assignment the NEF was no longer accepting proposals.  However, I might look into submitting this proposal next school year when the proposal portal opens.

EEND 6872 Reflection Post

As with many courses that I take, I find the most beneficial information doesn't come from a textbook or research article, but rather from communicating (listening/talking) with others in class and then applying that to my setting.

The discussions that were had during the week of Problem/Project Based Learning, was by far the most interesting for me.  I think giving students an authentic learning experience could be the most powerful thing we, as educators, can give to students.  It allows them to be personally invested in the topic, allows them personal expression, and allows them to pursue the "why's", "what's", and "how's" of a problem.  More importantly it will allow them learn through failure in a safe environment.  

The video in Week 3.. "Gold Standard" was a great resources to start with as it helped give the "Why's and What's" of PBL.  In week 4 learning about "UbD" was a great to have with PBL.  It allowed to look at the end and then work back to the beginning as a teacher plans a project.

Overall, i feel that i have a better understanding on how using technology as part of a PBL can maximize the over affect that my content area can have.  It allows students to move to the center of the curriculum and lets them drive the knowledge content.