Integration of Technology into Project Based Learning

1. Integration of Technology into Project Based Learning Jennifer Thomas Sharon Burke

2. Why stream? • Increases our capacity to deliver curriculum • Transparency between school and “real-life” RMHS goal for improving 9th grade transition

3. Technology Rule of Thumb • On the fly • Makes use of existing equipment • Facilitate student learning

4. VC Alternatives to Skype

5. Video Conferencing vs. Streaming • Streaming • Audience sees and hears you, you don’t see them • Audience participates by watching & text chat • Unlimited viewers • Video conferencing • Audience sees you, you see and hear them • Audience participation is full • Limited to 1, 6, 10 participants - depending on application

6. Project Based Learning • A systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions, and carefully designed products and tasks

7. Project Based Learning… • Student driven - Investigation, research, and reasoning • Highlights provocative issues, authentic and important topics • Utilizes technology skills • Content knowledge • Self-management • Project management • Encourages collaboration • Multiple assessments, both formative and summative

8. 21st Century Skills • Make appropriate personal economic choices • Develop and communicate new ideas to others • Exercise sound reasoning in making complex choices • Frame analyze and synthesize information • Use technology as a tool to research, organize and communicate information

9. Which Alternative Fuel Car would you buy? • learn more about how your current family automobile contributes to global warming everyday • demonstrate your understanding of greenhouse gases and alternative fuel resources • research alternative fuel cars, and write a proposal for your parents Help them determine which car would be a great present for your next birthday- not just for you but for the earth!

10. The Scope of the Project • Phase I: Background Research • Phase II: AFV Research • Phase III: In Class Problems Solving Worksheet • Part IV: Presentations • Part V: Conclusion Questions

11. 2009 Toyota Prius Sample of Student’s Work Hybrid 48/45 mpg Price: $22,000 Cost to run vehicle: $500 a year Runs on gas and electricity, a combination of a petrol-powered engine and an electric motor

12. Sample of Student’s Work Decision We chose the Chevrolet Fuel Cell Equinox because it has gives off no emission, except water vapor, has a lot of passenger room, and has really good mileage. It is also good for the environment, relatively cheap for an SUV, and accommodating for large families.

13. Class Preparation for Live Streaming • Presentation skills • Lots of coaching • Not there yet • Audience real-world • Feedback from parents • Organize the classroom environment • Representing RMHS • Permission to stream, record • Opt out

14. OutcomesAlternative Fuel Vehicles Project • Students owned their learning • Parents and other viewers became part of the class • Provided an authentic means of assessment

15. Quotable. . . . Parents / Viewers • “It was great to see the kids researching this topic. . . you could see the effort they put into their presentations” • “I was very glad to be able to watch most of a class. And kudos to the students who seemed to have done a good job and seemed to be having a good time at the same time!” • “I was disappointed that I was at work so I couldn't tune in, but I wanted to thank you for pushing the envelope and checking out new ideas!”

16. Quotable. . . Administration • “. . . streaming has tremendous potential in our district. . . a huge benefit in our Mentor Program. . . a nonthreatening way to observe and mentor new teachers.” • “. . . students who can’t be in class don’t lose precious instructional time.” • “. . . a way to connect with parents who might not be able to get to open house. . . .” - John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum

17. Quotable. . . Teachers “. . . it is exciting and it kept the students interested. . . .” - Mr. D’Entremont, Social Studies Teacher “. . . what a great way to expand the physical boundaries of the classroom. . .” - Joanne Fitzpatrick, Math Teacher

18. Tell Everyone • Send out a “Tweet” or link to Facebook • Send notice home & tell colleagues • How to find you & password • Time of broadcast • For students, permission to opt-out

19. PBL at It’s Best • “Most children are not cynical or lazy or blasé; most children are burning with an almost explosive desire to do something important, something lasting, something beautiful. All they need is to be asked, to be encouraged, to be inspired. • Jeff Ryan, RMHS History Teacher • Kidger Award Speech, April 2009

20. Caveats • Password protect • Network firewalls & permissions • Open chat & video ports • Downloads: camera software, Flash • Teacher adaptations • Sound & lighting • Don’t forget to record & save the broadcast