Chapter 7 Reflection: A Guiding Hand - Keeping a Project Moving

1. Description of the level of classroom discussions.

• Teacher to Teacher: these discussions touch on everything from procedural topics to formative assessment. If getting together face-to-face is an issue the use of an online based communication tool can be useful.
• Student to Student: these are used for students to talk among one another as learning experiences unfold. Using their communication skills play a roll in effective teamwork and organization. This also allows them to learn from each other and challenge one another. As the teacher it's important to listen to the student conversations rathe than lead them. Use constructive feedback if they need to be redirected. 
• Teacher to Student: by using online tools there may be less of a need to do house keeping in the class and rather spend more time circulating, observing, and talking to the small groups of students. This is great resource because it pushes students toward high-order thinking.

2. Discussion on the questions for "checking in" on students during a project.

• Procedural is used to track progress toward milestones and deadlines. 
• Team work aspect is used to circulate and ask questions to help you assess team dynamics in your students groups.
• Understanding by observing teams at work, listening to conversations, and probing questions. 
• Self-assessment is used to find out what students are thinking about the project, ask questions that encourage their reflection. 

3. Discussion on the benefits to students when optimizing the use of technology.

• By optimizing the use of technology students are able to gain new insights into how to communication with a culturally diverse audience. When it comes to students learning about the different technology that is being offered make sure you give them options to work with. Not every student will be successful with a particular program so give them options to ensure they will succeed in their assignments. 

4. Discussion on the 21st century skills that can make or break a project.

• Troubleshooting which distinguishes effective project managers. Help students understand that real-life projects come with real-world challenges. 
• Manage conflict - team work can be a huge make or break in a project. 

5. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

• Similar to this chapter our class is set up like those of teacher to student interaction and student to student interaction. We use this type of interactions and communications in person and via blog. We use ways of checking in to keep ourselves on track and communicate through our blog.