Last week, you started dreaming about and planning for your BIG multimedia product. Today, you will select a product idea that matches your personality and unique style of learning.
Why is it important to pick a project that is based on your style of learning? Because you will accomplish more when you’re working and learning in a way that is comfortable for you and that interests you, don’t you agree? It is important to understand that everyone has things they can do well and things that are difficult. What do you do well? What is your favorite way to learn something new? When are you the happiest?
Let’s take a few minutes to meet a group of TK eSmartz Aliens! Your mission is to pick an Alien that seems to be a lot like you!
Directions for choosing your special Alien:
- IMPORTANT: Get to know ALL 8 Aliens before you make a choice! Don't stop after meeting the first 3! You'll miss out on the fun if you do!
- There will be several Aliens that have some of the same behaviors you do. Pick 3 out of the group of 8 Aliens that seem to be a lot like you.
- Look closely at the 3 Aliens, and then choose ONE that has the MOST in common with you.
- Before revealing the name of your Alien, ask a close friend, family member, or teacher to carefully study the 8 different Aliens, and then pick the one that seems to be a lot like you. Do you think they'll pick the same one? Print both pages of eSmartz Aliens to share with friends and family.
eSmartz Aliens are very different characters with very different interests, but they get along great. Why? Because they understand and appreciate what makes all Aliens unique. Like the eSmartz Aliens, you are smart in your own special ways and you can use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of others. You are not born with only one way of being smart; you are a unique mix of intelligence strengths and weaknesses.
It takes "all kinds of minds"* to accomplish tasks in the real world. Technology can be used to help groups of people from around the globe exchange ideas and solve problems together. Because we all have different interests and talents, it makes sense to select a project idea that is most appealing, and then share it with others in the world that can benefit from the information. This is one way we can learn and grow through the help of others. *(Dr. Mel Levine, UNC Chapel Hill, www.allkindsofminds.org)
Before going any further, take a minute to understand the meanings of two simple words:
- Intelligence: "The ability to solve problems that one encounters in real life. The ability to generate new problems to solve. The ability to make something (a product) or offer a service that is valued within one’s own culture." (Howard Gardner) Remember, you are not born with only one way of being smart; you are a unique mix of intelligences.
- Product: something that is made or created and can be used by others for a special purpose.
It’s time for your special Alien to take you, not to its leader, but to a product or project idea that suits your particular learning style and personality. Simply click on your Alien and follow the instructions on your screen.
If someone
offered to pay you a million dollars to write a "Question
of the Day" column for the local newspaper, what would
be the first and most important question you would choose to
publish? Think about any unanswered questions related to your
research topic. Link to one of the experts on Eduscape’s Ask
An Expert page and find someone to answer it!
(Scroll to the bottom for the list of expert sites.)
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