Imagining the possibilities

Blog: Imagining the possibilities: A “Big Idea” that I have is concerning the schools in South Carolina. Since there are schools with depilated facilities, which affect the quality of learning for students, I have an idea called “Campaign SOS (Saving Our Schools)”. An overview of this project includes building new schools in districts like those that are included in the “corridor of shame”. This would be a project-based learning opportunity for students that would occur in several phases. The phases would be consistent with those of project management. The students would be introduced to the concepts of starting and executing a project. The students will be able to apply the concepts to other areas if learning disciplines like math, statistics, history, etc. I believe that the project will continue birth different strategies due to the fact that they learn how to bring other skills and apply them to the current project. It help manage the project Web 2.0 tools are essential to keep the students engaged and allow them to have their voice and input using tools that they are familiar with. They will also be integrated in project tracking and updates, along with the use of the typical web pages.
Strategies for Discovery: In reviewing the list, I have not had any classroom experiences to relate to the pitfall, however in the workforce, it is more often that the “Technology layered over traditional practice” approached is favored. Automation is the key, seems to lead the way in some environment. To have a successful automated process, sometimes human intervention is needed to ensure that the system has appropriate checks and balances. Too often we trust technology to be accurate if the program doesn’t produce errors, even though it may be sending erroneous data. In theory, the Mashup of a Good Idea and the Right Tool, has been something similar to an Excel activity that I’ve thought of titled Excel around the world. An activity that uses learning excel through using geographical concepts. Optimal ambiguity, to means allowing structured creativity. It means having requirements and expectations, but allowing room for expansion of the imagination and approaches to find solutions and strategies for a successful project. This is the key to successful learning allowing the students to take ownership in the work that they are producing.
Project Management Strategies for Teachers and Learners: I can’t directly relate to the needs of students because I’m not currently in the classroom, however I would review the project management guidelines established by the Project Management Institute. The students would be taught the basic principles of project management. In order to chart and management their progress; several methods could be used depending on the project. For example if it’s a fundraising goal; we could use and e-thermometer or wall picture thermometer to measure progress. There are tools such as Microsoft excel, access (reporting), progress reports that can be used to track and measure the progress of the project. Management tools that are visual in pictorial format have been proven to be favored and most effective for younger audiences.