If you have computers collecting dust in the corner of your room, then you
might need a #classroomrescue! Seriously, though. Just because there are
computers housed in your room doesn’t make you a techie teacher. They
must be utilized and not just for random websites students can access
during centers or rotations. When I reflect on a daily basis how many times
I search google or other internet related sites for a plethora of information
it’s frightening to think what I did without it in my earlier years! The same is
true for students. This generation has never known a life without
technology at their fingertips. So let’s utilize it!
In my school district, the push towards extending critical thinking skills and
problem solving abilities is evident in the recent trend of project based
learning activities (PBLs). Textbooks, although beneficial, are archaic. As
adults we all know too well that information is best learned through
exploration not memorization. I spent some time recently in an amazing
professional development from High Tech High educators who explained
the paradigm of PBLs and how they propel student learning! This authentic
learning is hopefully replacing the barrage of testing students will be
exposed to each year that acts as both a curriculum and instructional tool!
The goal of PBLs is deeper learning- students achieve academically and
develop a deeper learning of skills taught. Or, in most cases PBLs can be
utilized as the “flipped classroom”- where students are learning content at
their own pace with support from the teacher.
Project Based Learning is not giving students all the information, showing
them how to create and having each student create a similar looking end
result. Instead, the teacher takes a “hands off” approach as they help guide
students towards launching their own unique way of solving the problem
posed. In essence, quickly, there are multiple steps to PBLs: launch phase
(get kids excited), essential question (pose the problem to students- must
create a way to cross a body of water, and allow for authentic learning in
the “field”), adult connections, brainstorm phase, planning phase,
collaboration/drafting/revision phase, publishing/exhibition phase.
When most people think of “projects”, the tri-fold, glittery parent created
masterpiece is what comes to mind. PBLs are the TOTAL opposite.
Instead, a PBL allows students to experience the content as real world
connections and experiences. And technology integration is PERFECT for
this aspect! PBLs allow naturally embedding classrooms into authentic
environments- whether digital or physical. My school district does not allow
too many field trips, so for some students it is difficult to obtain the real
world, concrete information gained from being there!
So, what technology can be integrated to help students during the learning
process of PBLs? There are a TON of sites, apps and software available
however be mindful that some are free whereas other require subscriptions
and/or software requirements. Here are some of my favorite I have found
while diving into the PBL trend!
1. MindNode- can be used during the Brainstorm phase, students can
create concept maps to help track their ideas, drafts and even revisions.
One stipulation of PBLs is that the teacher should be able to visibly see
what stage of the PBL groups are in.
2. DigiSocial- FREE- a platform where students can collaborate as a group
and chat/share ideas.
3. Smart Drawings- $3.99- students can create blueprints and sketches of
proposed ideas. Great for upper elementary and secondary classrooms.
4. Google Docs- manage documents, deadlines, organize tasks as a group
5. Google Maps- If field trips are out of the question, allow students explore
the world, geography, topography at the click of a mouse! This allows for
free, authentic exploration of content.
6. Animoto- If students are creating videos or slide shows, this free app can
allow students to present their project during the publishing phase!
There are a TON more resources out there, which of course this list is not
exhaustive. I am so pumped to begin my PBL with my sixth graders this
Fall while utilizing technology to integrate within our Zombieography
project :)
References
Bhaskar, S., (2013). Best Tools for Project Based Learning. Retrieved from:
http://edtechreview.in/news/436-best-tools-for-project-based-learning.
