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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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