Reading Reflection #1 - Chapter 1 Mapping the Journey-Seeing the Big Picture

1. Discussion on what you need to keep in mind as you start the journey through Project-Based Learning (PBL).

In PBL, Teachers need to learn how to engage students in real-world projects. The teacher's role also shifts which gives the students more in control with their projects and it keeps them more interested. 

2. Discussion on the overall benefits of the PBL approach.

The benefits of the PBL approach was discussed over a debate about the accommodations of the digital-age learners and the workforce needs of the new century still continues to engage a global audience. The corporate world demands employees who can work as a team, access and analyze information, and be able to think creatively in order to solve problems. Educators routinely call for new strategies to better connect with the generation that is more accustomed to technology.  

3. Discussion on the benefits to students who participate in PBL.

In the Project-based Learning approach, the students will be able to create their own questions and meanings and it has shown to be extremely effective in increasing students' motivation, problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills. In Project-Based Learning, students will discover open-ended questions and will be able to apply their knowledge in order to produce their own products. 

4. Discussion on what issues need to be considered in PBL approach.

The issues that need to be considered in the PBL approach are working with colleagues and taking advantage of the benefits professional learning communities. Teachers must be able to embark on the right path and do some research in order to gather your own evidence on the benefits of digital-aged projects. 

5. Discussion on New Technology High as an example of New Technology Model.

A teacher named Paul Curtis left a traditional high school environment and joined the staff at the New Technology High. This school was designed to meet the accommodations of the 21st-century learners. The entire beliefs of the school supports the approach of PBL and textbooks were very scarce. The students had computers in reach at all times from every classroom and collaboration was given for both students and teachers. The projects immerse the students in real-world learning and teachers are given time to work together which included shared planning time and staff meetings that focused on instruction. also, online assessment tools enable the teachers to provide students wwith feedback and the student is most likely to receive multiple grades on one project in order to focus on their areas of improvement.