Week Eight: All Atomic

I tok my atomic test and did ok on it. I also took the 21st century learner test. I thought that test was quite difficult. I especially did not like the multi-choice questions. I had flashbacks of state certification exams. I found the test to be quite taxing. I also found that I have a lot to learn still about the nature of the 21st century learner and skills necessary for me to master as an educator in the 21st century.

I liked the projects titled "Water Works" and "Breakfast". Both of these projects are in the elementary grade levels and quite relevant for our world. Many of our students are over weight and should become aware of the calorie intake of diferent foods and how we can make wiser, healthier food choices. This project could also be adapted to incorporate exercise and how exercise can positively affect our overall health, especially in conjunction with wise food choices.

"Water Works" is also a relevant project for our world. Students have been studying recycling, reusing, and reducing for years. This project shows real-life reasons for becoming better world stewards. My classroom instruction has fallen short of this in the past. I would have to study this more to adapt it to the younger students that I have always taught; however, I think the time spent doing this will be well worth it. I would like to see what I can do with these lessons and share with the teachers I have previously worked with in the lower primary grades.

Personally, for my own use, I do not teach in a regular classroom. The subjects I teach are determined by the teachers I work with. I may not personally be able to use these two ideas in my classroom, but will share with my peers. I think the biggest difficulty with these projects will be getting the other teachers to view these projects and helping them with gaining the tools necessary for implementation. I hope to encourage a monthly tech afternoon on our campus. Hopefully, with this, teachers can be encouraged to become 21st century teachers and also gain the technology skills they need to incorporate these lessons into their classrooms. Another difficulty with these lessons is getting the necessary technology into the classrooms.