Ramble #15

It seems fitting that this week's video is the video mentioned in Daniel's presentation on Tuesday. It is a TED Talk from Kevin Brookhouser talking about 20 time projects. It is a great video. Check it out!

As mentioned, on Tuesday this week we had a "zoom" conversation with Daniel Dillion. He was a fascinating individual that was full of great personal and educational stories. The more his presentation went on, the more interesting he got. He mentioned that he has travelled to more than 25 countries, which is so cool! He also has taught internationally in a few different counties including Ecuador!

He talked about a few different things. However, he mainly discussed the idea of project-based learning and 20 time/passion projects as well as the incorporation of VR (virtual reality) technology into the classroom.

His discussion of project-based learning and 20 time projects in his classes was really inspiring. He shared a few different stories about what his students have accomplished in the past. The one kid that was inspired to learn about fruit carving and subsequently the next year created a plan to develop his own "tiny" food truck was a great example of the power of 20 time projects. I appreciated how Daniel discussed the way that each week looks like in terms of planning running a project-based learning model in his classes. This helped to me to envision to structure in this seemingly chaotic model.

Daniel also told us about how he was able to find the funding and implement a brand new VR technology station into his school. The many ways, across many disciplines, that the VR has already been used within the school is super neat! Daniel mentioned how engaged the students are when using the VR technology. This makes sense. How could they not be engaged when they are using cutting edge technology.....IN SCHOOL?

The important point that Daniel mentioned many times was that technology is just a tool. He compared the VR technology to a pencil, or a piece of paper. It is no more special. Just like a pencil, VR technology is a tool that helps to facilitate learning. It does not have inherent educational value in itself. It must be used properly by a teacher in order to deliver curriculum authentically.

I really enjoyed Daniel's presentation. He really seems like a cutting edge thinker in education with an abundance of great pedagogical ideas.

Until next week!