Chapter 9 Reflection

In my opinion, it is very beneficial for students to be able to connect with others; whether it be students in the next classroom or students from across the globe.  Being able to connect with others is a way to help them with their communication skills and also helps them learn from each other.  Ways in which students are able to connect with others is by blog entries, video exchanges, Google Docs, podcasting, Skype, ect.  As the book mentions, it is also a way for them to become more proficient at working in a culturally diverse world if they are connecting with students from other countries.  This is something that I think is especially important and this is a great way for them to do so.  Students should be able to connect with experts, and I like how this chapter touched on that topic.  A good idea it mentions is knowing the skills and expertise of your students' parents.  

Using technology to solve problems and make improvements in communities is what the Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative (EAST) model tries to have students do.  The students use tools and applications to solve community problems that interest them.  The teachers of EAST go through extensive training to learn how to teach students through real-world projects rather than lecturing at students.  I really like this model because it allows students to learn in a way that isn't "traditional" and even though it isn't traditional I think it is extremely beneficial.