Test questions can be about how can we use this information to grow in our learning not who what was the Battle of Bull Run. How can knowing about the battle of bull run help student in life. Previously it was often said that it is just something that student have to know. Know it's one more fact about our history that students can learn from not about. What type of ideas or projects can you develop from this information?
In the Digital Learning Farm model, students supply much more of the creative design, preparation, delivery, and revision of the educational process, enabling teachers to spend more time in the roles of mentor, advisor, and facilitator.
November comments that by using the digital learning model, "students can become more engaged in the learning process, they do more, they think more, and they learn more." This reminded me of the quote “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn," from Benjamin Franklin. We have to ask ourselves what do we want our students to gain from school? Do we want them to learn facts, do we want them to understand concepts or do want them to experience the concepts and learning and thinking. For me I want my students to experience. The only way students can experience a concept is if they understand it first, so with a hand on approach to learning they are learning the information and so much more.
The book talks a lot about gaining skills for the future workplace and the future in general but it also suggests an experience while gaining these skills. It is important that students gain these skills but while doing this I want them to also enjoy themselves, find their passions create social relationships (that reach beyond just getting connections to succeed). With the digital learning farm, this is possible. Students are developing curriculum and learning task that require passion, innovation and creativity. Once I implement experience and adjust. This learning or Odessa to fit in with my classroom I really think this could benefit my students in many aspects.
This model however, has to be adjusted based on the grade. I can't just tell kindergarteners to apply their learning to problems in their community give them some starting resources and let them run free. I have to help guide them. This is where one of my greatest weaknesses comes in- letting go of control. As mentioned previously I struggle to stay away from the old teaching model and often just teach to children instead of letting them do the work and the deeper thinking and application.