Chapters 1-3 Reflection Wahl

From Barb Wahl 

My take aways from Chapter 1....
I too was amazed that among current students, 65% will be employed with jobs that have not yet been created. 
When I was teaching language, I always had my students write an autobiography. The last chapter what what they saw themselves looking like, and what they would be doing in 10, 20, and 30 years from today; similar to the reality check worksheet on page 10-11.
Chapter 2: It is so true that people are more interested in learning when it is something that interests them. I understand I have a strong possibility of housing an iPad cart in my room this year. This will make it so much easier to do the research, and access technology when I won't have to hunt down devices to use! :)
Chapter 3: I plan to figure out how to blog and tweet, and get comfortable with the web sites before I present this to my students. :) I liked the March Madness form for kids to make their lists of what they were interested in. 

I apologize, thought I could come back and add to my original post.

To add to Chapter 1 comment- I wanted to say kids often had trouble visualizing, or understand that concept when I asked them to think 10,20,30 years into the future. I feel like when I start the 20% in my classroom, we are going to need more than one class period to present what we are striving for our students to do. I anticipate that visiting the sites shared in the book, and our last discussion, I will be able to get a timeline of how much time to take introducing this program to my students. I know they will be excited. I like the idea of using an assembly schedule or somewhat shortened schedule within the week as a way of working the time into an already busy schedule.
I wish I would have been doing this program this past year. I had a student who was amazing with hands-on assignments. He was an outstanding presenter. He fits the 20% idea to a T! He barely was able to get passing grades in several subject areas, but just visiting with this student, I know, he will be successful. He could get turned off from school because he has a difficult time with traditional classrooms. This type of learning would be right up his alley.He has the ability to speak, and has a great personality. He will be one of those students who does something innovative.

Chapter 2&3: I think it is going to be a difficult think for some students to think of what their project will be. The list idea as I mentioned starting as a class to get everyone on board will be vital.As we share examples and ideas, those slow starters will see how to begin to compile a list. Another concept that is going to be tough for some kids and parents is that failing is important, that is is okay to fail. A problem I will have is allowing students to work as partners. I have seen it fail more times than not. Maybe after researching the sites I will see evidence that working with a partner will be possible. 
I can see how important it will be to have the Tech Team on board, and available to assist our students as we dive into this project. I am crossing my fingers that the possibility of more devices being available across the grade level. This will allow for students to have the technology at their fingertips to assist them to be successful.

Reflection also is going to be an important part of this program. To be able to look back, see what happened, and be able to make changes and learn from the mistakes made, and try again. 

I really enjoyed the discussion from our first meeting. I am disappointed that I won't be able to be there this week. I will be checking out sites see how others have gone about presenting the program. I will be seeking our the Tech Staff :) to help this old dog learn some new tricks!!