Six Simple Steps Integrating Technology into Project Based Learning Denise Lewis NYC DOE Region 7 Technology Staff Developer November, 2006 NYSCATE PRESENTATION

Why teach with Project Based Learning? Teach to the standards Engage students with real-world scenarios Focus on meaningful and essential understanding Support basic literacy skills Evaluate with high quality assessments Engage all students in purposeful collaboration Use technology to enhance teaching and learning Create projects that teachers can recreate. THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF PBL Each step should have a multimedia product Assessment should take place throughout and include student reflection. Make learning real by focusing on essential components of a topic rather than cursory overview of entire topic.

Why use technology? Humans can process visual images 60,000 times faster than text. Technology fosters active and memorable learning experiences. Technology opens classroom doors to the world. Students are accountable to their peers, and work toward independent learning. It’s the way children of the 21st century learn best.

Step One: Define the Problem Clearly define topic Brainstorm State topic as a question Develop appropriate keywords Identify prior knowledge on topic Brainstorming… using inspiration; KWL chart

Step Two: Plan Strategies Designate and define students’ roles Determine final multimedia product Create timeline for research process Develop rubric for evaluation of process & product Chart of roles and responsiblities in excel or inspiration or word 4teachers.org to create a rubric Or organizational chart in PowerPoint

Step Three: Find Information Define type of information needed Assess the validity of information Identify various sources of data Online databases for full text articles Encyclopedia information Primary resources Multimedia files Maps and global images Lesson on info literacy and validating websites via kathyschrock’s website And other links for finding information online (nettrekker.com) (alannovember.com) (overview of info. Lit)

Step Four: Use information Take notes with Digital Index Cards Question information and sources Cite resources with MLA or APA style Synthesize information in a format applicable to the final product Citationmachine.net Using voice recorders to take notes WORD to copy and paste in varius colors including URL and beneath that synthesize that information.,, using highlighter Text Publication Speeches, Music & Audio Files Visual Arts Movies & Photos Charts & Graphs

Step Five: Build the Product Acquire the media tools needed Edit and revise drafts Determine how new knowledge will be demonstrated Use planning tools, like storyboards and sound editing software Draft of storyboards, audio files, inspiration to plan for presentation, pictures, movies, etc. Collection of all students’ sloppy copies

Step Six: Share Final Product & Evaluate Use Project Based Learning Checklist to assure completion Prepare and present product for select audience Evaluation by peer review, audience feedback, surveys, and teacher’s rubric Movies, podcasts, text documents, theatrical, web presentations, whatever illustrates their mastery of the essential question Evaluation – rubric, or reflective writing, peer review