Project+Based+learning-PBL

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 * __PBL is:__**
 * Focused on learning over doing
 * Learning is driven by challenging, open-ended problems
 * Students work in small collaborative group
 * Teachers take on the role as "facilitators" of learning
 * Development of communication, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills
 * All learning in the class directed toward a rigorous project for an authentic audience (or at least for one outside the classroom)
 * Students working on the project throughout the project “unit” not just at the end
 * Learning centered around answering messy, complex questions without any one right answer (you can’t Google it)
 * An organic process wherein teachers and students work together towards a common goal
 * The teacher acting as a facilitator or mentor, not as the center of the universe


 * __PBL isn’t:__**
 * Scripted lessons
 * Units with every day planned in detail from beginning to end
 * Assigning students projects the way you’ve always done
 * Research papers or PowerPoints (although they could be part of a PBL experience)
 * Teaching from a textbook and then assigning a project at the end of the unit or chapter
 * Doing “fun” projects that have little rigor to them
 * Extra projects that students do at home on their own time
 * Worksheets, textbooks, multiple choice tests, lectures

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PBL information

There are many PBL excellent resources to help you get started. Here are just a couple:

1. Edutopia's Schools That Work feature on PBL in Maine:

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You'll find video case studies, plus practical tips and downloadable resources.

2. Buck Institute for Education's Do-It-Yourself Tutorial on PBL:

@http://www.bie.org/diy

3.

About ePals

ePals is the world’s largest social network for meaningful collaborative learning experiences




 * ePals is the largest and fastest growing K-12 online community for meaningful learning. More than half a million educators and millions of learners across 200 countries and territories safely connect, collaborate and build community using ePals.
 * Schools around the globe use our school-safe email and blog tools.
 * Deep learning is catalyzed through collaborative learning projects and experiences.
 * Exchanging ideas and questions in a meaningful way with other learners – down the block or around the globe – generates great excitement about learning, enhancing students’ reading, writing and thinking expertise while building 21st century digital literacy and learning skills.

[] (social network for kids)

http://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cVideos.dspVideo&id=50 (Teaching with Gizmos on line learning/exploration) http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/index.html (inquiry based learning) http://whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com/ (science experiment blog) http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-dont-all-books-have-pictures/ (where the wonders of never cease http://www.iste.org/store/professional-development.aspx (Powerpoint on PBL)

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http://www.lbl.gov/wonder/ (did you ever wonder) http://www.madsci.org/ (science site) http://www.greatbooks.org/programs-for-all-ages/pd/what-is-shared-inquiry.html (shared inquiry) http://www.pblworld.org/workshops (pbl) http://www.slideshare.net/swoolam/delattre-carter-woolam (SLIDE SHOW INQUIRY BASED LEARNING)

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/links_grades_kindergarten_12/elementary_project.htm

Project learning can inspire the best of high-performance teamwork, or it can be devolve into unfocused chaos. How can we support each other to keep our eye on the prize? Share your project ideas, questions, and implementation experiences.

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 * Technology Integration**

Technology is ubiquitous, touching almost every part of our lives, our communities, our homes. Yet most schools lag far behind when it comes to integrating technology into classroom learning. Many are just beginning to explore the true potential tech offers for teaching and learning. Properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy.


 * [[image:http://www.edutopia.org/media/1029_harrison/harrisona.jpg caption="Harrison Central High School: A Commitment to High Tech" link="http://www.edutopia.org/harrison-central-high-school"]] ||
 * Harrison Central High School: A Commitment to High Tech ||

Running Time: 9 min.
Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals.

Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.

http://www.inquiringmind.co.nz/WhatIsInquiry.htm