Lesson+12

**Project-Based Learning (PBL) & Technology**
Too many teachers find themselves "teaching to the test" because administrators are focused on improving student standardized test scores. Unfortunately, teaching "knowledge acquisition" doesn't necessarily lead to skill development and won't meet the demands of the 21st century workplace. As our global, interconnected workplace becomes increasingly organized around collaborative teams charged with problem-solving responsibilities, workers will be faced with new and changing tasks. In this environment the ability to gather, analyze, synthesize information -- and communicate it in creative ways -- is of paramount importance.

Project Based Learning (PBL) provides opportunities for students to collaborate on solving specific challenges. Project Based Learning focuses on developing critical thinking skills and engaging students via active learning strategies. In PBL, a project is driven by authentic questions that spur student research, investigation, synthesis, and analysis. Constructivist PBL provides students with opportunities to apply abstract concepts in meaningful environments.

We've taught you about a lot about technology over the last several months, but our underlying focus is on student learning. We've believe in a PBL framework for technology integration and encourage you to think of ways that you can empower students by putting them at the center of the content creation process. The following videos provide you with a PBL conceptual framework as well as "best practices" that we hope stimulate new approaches to learning in your classroom:

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 * Edutopia video introducing PBL theory and several K-12 examples:**


 * Elementary students use "Project North" to track migration patterns of butterflies and other species as part of this online project:**

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 * Digital Storytelling** is a powerful tool for engaging students and providing them with creative means of self expression. I've prepared a short video on a few exciting "digital storytelling" projects:


 * Transformed by Technology.** Here is a brief clip on how High Tech High in San Diego uses PBL and technology to revolutionize education.

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 * How could PBL transform your curriculum? How could technology facilitate the transformation? Please add a comment in the Discussion area on this page.**