The integration of technology into the curriculum is necessary to make the use of technology meaningful. Technology integration
is: 1) learner centered; 2) information rich; and 3) problem-based projects.
A project-based learning environment involves: questioning about a topic or problem, sifting through information and blending
elements together. Each student moves through the information process in a unique way. Observe the world (CNN) around you. Become in tune with the what is happening today (USA Today). Seek action and change. Write, discuss, and share your experiences.
Exploring Topics involves curiosity, questioning, brainstorming, discussing, and reflecting. Brainstorm ideas for
topics.
1) I wonder ...
2) I like ...
3) I dislike ...
4) I am in favor of ...
5) I am opposed to ...
6) I wish I could convince people that ...
Planning
1) What I know ...
2) What I need to know ...
3) What I want to know ...
4) What I learned ...
5) What I still wonder about ...
Questioning: 5 W's & H
Who? ... What? ... Where? ... When? ... Why? ... How? ...
Seeking: Search Engines
Begin locating information and connecting ideas. Organize ideas and develop areas for discussion. Explore statistical information,
like
Gallup Polls and build timelines, graphs, and charts. Examine and explore information looking for clues, ideas, and perspectives.
Sifting: Evaluation "Just because it's on the 'Net doesn't make it true."
1) Authority: Who says?
2) Objectivity: Is the information biased?
3) Reliability: Is the information accurate?
4) Relevance: Is the information helpful?
Sifting: Activities
1) Question:
Ask The Expert. 2) Share and collaborate:
Blue Web'n
Online Forums and Connections
1) Contact made by students--
CyberKids Interactive or
Kid's Space
2) Contact made by
Teachers
3)
Intercultural Email Classroom Connect.
4) Put out a Call for Projects
- Topic of project
- Overview
- Objectives
- Grade level
- Level of participation requested
- Timeline
- Name, School, Email address
Project Ideas
1) Exchange pen pal messages
2) Make cross-generational connections
3) Collaborate on writing projects
4) Compare life in rural/urban areas
5) Conduct and compare science experiments
6) Compare local statistical information
7) Go on electronic expeditions
8) Practice foreign languages
9) Establish mentoring programs
10) For more ideas contact
KidLink KidProjects
Blending: Emerging Questions
1) Can the problem be resolved?
2) How?
3) Who would need to be involved?
4) Is it realistic?
5) What can I do?
Blending: Information Evaluation
1) Compare: How are resources alike and different?
2) Select: What information is useful?
3) Organize: What's the best way to arrange ideas?
4) Express: How can my ideas be communicated to others?
5) Organize your thoughts through writing--
OnLine Writing Assistant
Synthesis: Questions
1) Why is this issue important?
2) Who needs to know about it?
3) How can I effectively communicate my ideas to others?
Reporting--Package your ideas, solutions, and communications
advertisement, animation, board game, brochure, bumper sticker, chart, collage, debate, demonstration, diagram, display,
documentary, essay, interview, invention, letter, magazine, map, model, multimedia project, mural, musical composition, newscast,
newsletter, newspaper, oral report, pamphlet, panel discussion, photo essay, play, poem, portfolio, poster, presentation,
quiz bowl, radio show, research paper, role play, simulation, short story, skit, slide show, survey, transparencies, web page,
and video
A Telecommunications/Community Action Project
Share your ideas, try out new approaches, and ask for feedback.
To view some "Award-Winning" Student Web Projects, visit ThinkQuest.
Self-Reflection
1) Strengths of my project are ...
2) Weaknesses of my project are ...
3) I'd change ...
4) Next time I'll ...
Shared Reflections
1) Teachers
2) Peers
3) Parents
Teacher Self-Assessment--Are your classes... Teacher centered? or Learner centered?
a--Teacher-centered classes: What will I cover? What will I lecture? What will I assign?
b--Learner-centered classes: Teachers are: information resources, facilitators, guides and co-investigators.
c--Learner-centered classes: Students are: explorers, problem-solvers, thinkers, peer tutors, developers, producers and reflectors.
d--To become learner-centered: 1) write objectives from student perspective; 2) decrease lecture and increase interaction;
3) provide choices and student projects; 4) use active techniques such as case studies, debates and role plays; 5) provide
practice examples; and 6) encourage collaboration.
Created by Annette Lamb of USI.
