Notes and comments on Student STEM (ISTE) article

1.
"a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
d. identify trends and forecast possibilities."

Comments: (a) is obviously good; (b) really excites and motivates kids -- Still need to balance time constraints, though, no matter how valuable this is. (It's very well-worth doing and I certainly do it with kids, but it would work better with a curriculum that was deeper and less broad.) (c) and (d) are interesting; I don' t think I've done that as much in teaching, except with obvious tools such as line graphs.

2. Students communicate and collaborate using digital tools, including with experts, and including globally and cross-culturally.

Comments: The "experts" part is cool! (Where do the experts find the time, though?) The cross-cultural part certainly has potential (maybe, I hope) to make our world a more understanding and peaceful place in the future. Isn't language a potential barrier, though, especially at the elementary level?

3. Students select and use information and tools effectively.

Comment: Essential; takes much instruction and practice over many years.

4. Students identify problems and collect and analyze data to help propose solutions.

Comments: Like the microfinance Kiva article we read in class. Very engaging as well as wonderful training for citizenship and leadership! Time and curriculum meshing, as usual, are issues to be dealt with.

5. Students use digital resources safely, legally, positively, and enthusiastically.

Comments: Certainly important.

6. Students can select, use, and troubleshoot both familiar and unfamiliar applications.

Comment: A good goal for teahers, too! :-) The trouble-shooting part can be pretty time-consuming and fairly frustrating, though.