ImagineIT Final Report
One of the ideas that most stands out to me about the whole design process for my ImagineIt is that my students are extremely eager learners when we step out of the ‘regular’ lesson and routine for a more real-world experience. I expected them to be interested but I was pleasantly surprised to see just how engaged they were in any STEM experiences that we have had this year. It was a motivational tool to stay on task and accomplish our required work to earn the STEM time.
I have also learned that I prefer the hands-on try of STEM lessons when we design, build and problem solve. My ImagineIT project was more technology oriented and if I had it to do over, I would have gone with a stronger engineering concept. Working with my students, I have recognized the power in creating in the math classroom. Most math classes consist of solving given problems while engineering requires original thought. Students are not just fitting variables into a formula in engineering, they are creating a whole new process.
I know that the research and computer-based skills that my students have and are acquiring will serve them well in high school and beyond. In speaking with my colleague who is the computer teacher, she is just beginning to expose students in our school to Google Classroom, Google Docs and Slides. My students could share their knowledge with her and in a few weeks, they will be able to demonstrate Screencastify. My students are proud of what they have been able to accomplish and they are working hard to present professional-looking videos. Less than ten months ago I didn’t even know how to do most of this and my students and I have learned together. The research and the videos that they are creating for Invisible Math are amazing. I wish there was more time for them to take it to the next level and create some of the math that they have learned about.
This process has solidified my belief that STEAM education is not just nice but also necessary for the future of education. Students are exposed to fast-paced, instantly satisfying technology practically from birth. Tablets, phones and computers hold their interest, not a tired math book. Today’s students know how to create and interact from an early age. We need to modify education to a system where we harness the creativity of this generation and give them the tools and skills to think for themselves. This is our future and our students are ready for it, we just need to find our new role as educators.
One of the ideas that most stands out to me about the whole design process for my ImagineIt is that my students are extremely eager learners when we step out of the ‘regular’ lesson and routine for a more real-world experience. I expected them to be interested but I was pleasantly surprised to see just how engaged they were in any STEM experiences that we have had this year. It was a motivational tool to stay on task and accomplish our required work to earn the STEM time.
I have also learned that I prefer the hands-on try of STEM lessons when we design, build and problem solve. My ImagineIT project was more technology oriented and if I had it to do over, I would have gone with a stronger engineering concept. Working with my students, I have recognized the power in creating in the math classroom. Most math classes consist of solving given problems while engineering requires original thought. Students are not just fitting variables into a formula in engineering, they are creating a whole new process.
I know that the research and computer-based skills that my students have and are acquiring will serve them well in high school and beyond. In speaking with my colleague who is the computer teacher, she is just beginning to expose students in our school to Google Classroom, Google Docs and Slides. My students could share their knowledge with her and in a few weeks, they will be able to demonstrate Screencastify. My students are proud of what they have been able to accomplish and they are working hard to present professional-looking videos. Less than ten months ago I didn’t even know how to do most of this and my students and I have learned together. The research and the videos that they are creating for Invisible Math are amazing. I wish there was more time for them to take it to the next level and create some of the math that they have learned about.
This process has solidified my belief that STEAM education is not just nice but also necessary for the future of education. Students are exposed to fast-paced, instantly satisfying technology practically from birth. Tablets, phones and computers hold their interest, not a tired math book. Today’s students know how to create and interact from an early age. We need to modify education to a system where we harness the creativity of this generation and give them the tools and skills to think for themselves. This is our future and our students are ready for it, we just need to find our new role as educators.