Unit 4 - ED 668c

Through the PBL experience, I learned more about Bloglines and its implications for classroom use. It was interesting to think on the high school teacher’s level for this assignment as I teach first grade. When I was in high school, and even many college courses, the sharing of current events was common practice. At the time, the main source for these events was the newspaper. While I still think it is important to read the newspaper, and/or read about current topics for a global perspective, it is convenient to collect information on a topic of interest in such an easy way. This assignment was facilitated by my partner and I each focusing on a different aspect of the problem. I focused on the problem from the student’s perspective and my partner focused on the problem from the perspective of the teacher. It was interesting that we both found common ground in this endeavor. We both felt good about the direction in which we were moving, which was definitely a positive. Working online can also present its negative aspects. Sometimes, working face to face can help to construct the solution together. In this problem, we were able to work well together meeting on wimba to discuss how to construct the problem solution. We came to the conclusion that using RSS feeds to facilitate group discussion within the classroom setting could be best for this type of project. Similarly, students completing high school graduation requirement projects, which are much more individualized could be simplified through the utilization of RSS feeds. I hope that teachers recognize the importance of this technology tool.