Project-Based Learning

Creating Authentic,

Technology-Rich Projects

Charlotte MohlingWessington Springs, SD

GOALS…..

• Characteristics of technology-rich project-based learning

• Criteria of good project• Components of project-based learning• Technology tools to enhance project-

based learning• Development and implementation of

project

Our Journey

Where are you starting on your

journey?What

expectations do you have for

today?What has

motivated you to consider new strategies for

your classroom?

Why Project Based Learning?

What do students say about PBL?

What is project-based learning?

"Project learning, also known as project-based learning, is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups."

(Edutopia.com)

Mapping our journey

Suppose you are consideringimplementing technology-rich, project-based learning in your classroom this year.

What should you consider or what would you need to

know?

May need to reconsider…

• Your learning goals• The way you talk and engage with

students• Your classroom management style• The physical arrangement of your

class• How you think about assessment• What you collect• How you communicate with parents

and colleagues

CRITERIA…

What makes a project…

…a good project?

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Hallmarks of Reinvigorated Approach to Projects

• Forms centerpiece of curriculum• Real-world activities• Strategies of authentic disciplines• Collaborative work on problems that

matter• Technology for discovery,

collaboration, and communication• Cross geographic boundaries and

time zonesReinventing Project-Based Learrning

Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

Additional help…

Project Based Learning Wiki

http://sdprojectbasedlearning.wikispaces.com/

“Find a travel companion”

Collaborate with colleagues

well-designed project

already underway

and tested

Packing for journey

FRAMEWORK…

• Project Planning and Design• Implementation• Monitor and adapt• Assess• Celebrate and reflect

PROJECT PLAN and DESIGNExploring the possibilities

• Big ideas (standard and understanding)

• Essential question or problem• Higher-order thinking skills• 21st century skills• Learning dispositions• Assessment

LET’S BEGIN…

Complete The “big ideas” section of Project Planning

Designing to discover

REVIEWING CURRENT PROJECTSPitfalls in project design

• Long on activity, short on learning outcomes

• Technology layered over traditional practice

• Trivial thematic units• Overly scripted with many, many

steps

QUALITIES OF BEST PROJECTS

• Loosely designed• Generative• Center on driving question• Capture student interest• Realistic• Reach beyond school• Tap data or primary sources• Students learn with and from others• Students work as inquiring experts• 21st century skills• Important learning dispositions• Students learn by doing

DESIGN PROJECT…

COMPLETE DESIGN PROJECT SECTION OF PLAN

Getting to destination

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FUNCTIONSTechnology and Students

• Ubiquity• Deep learning• Make things visible and discussable• Express, share and build• Collaborate• Research• Manage• Reflect

Ubiquity

• Overarching and desirable quality of tools

• Anytime-anywhere access• Web-based productivity tools• Multiple communications options

Deep learning• Use “raw” information – primary sources

and real-time data– World Factbook – National Archives Educators and Students sub-site

– American Memory Project – Center for Disease Control and Prevention – The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Scie

nce Education – Worldometers– Global Grocery List Project site

• Interpret and make visual displays with Web-based tools– Google docs

Visible and discussable• Google Earth• Google Maps• Google SketchUp• Webcams• Mind mapping (bubbl.us)• Photographs online (Picasa, Flickr

Classroom Displays)• Concept Modeling (

Interactive reasoning tools)• Screencasting (Jing)• Art Snacks

Express, share, build• Website

– Google Sites• Blogs

– Edublogs– Blogger– Blogmeister– 21Classes Cooperative Learning

• Social networks– Ning

Collaboration• Engage experts (Electronic Emissary)• Virtual meetings (GoToMeeting)• Webinars (GoToWebinar)• Voice-over IP service (Skype)• Wikis (Wikispaces)• Google docs

Research

• Search engines• Bookmarks (delicious)• State Library

Project Management• Learning Management Systems

– WebCT• Web-based “home pages” or

“desktops”– iGoogle– Protopage– Netvibes– My Yahoo!

Reflection and Iteration• Personal diary or journal

– Blogs (Blogger, Blogmeister)• Iterations of work and sharing works

in progress– Wikis (Wikispaces)

Project Tools• Music creation (Jam Studio)• Recording (Vocaroo, vozMe)• Screencasting (Jing)• Photo Editing (picnik)• Newspaper Clipping Generator• Word Clouds (Wordle)

Project Management…

How will you and your students manage the project?

managingproject.mp4

From PLAN to ACTION

• Students’ prior knowledge• Set the stage – hook students• Share assessment• Pre-requisite knowledge• Prepare students for technology use• Guide student inquiry • Build information literacy• Extend experience beyond classroom

THE END IS A BEGINNING…

CELEBRATE

and

REFLECT

ASSESSMENT

• Considered assessment strategies during planning – formative

• Student assessment – What did they learn

• Students create something new – summarize or synthesize what they learned

• Model real-world assessment• Enter contest or submit for

publication

THE PLAN…

COMPLETE STAGE 3 – LEARNING PLAN

Project-Based Learning

You have arrived!

Sharing, Reflection, Questions