Integration of Technology into Project

Based LearningJennifer Thomas

Sharon Burke

Why stream?

Increases our capacity to deliver curriculum

Transparency between school and “real-life”

RMHS goal for improving 9th grade transition

Technology Rule of Thumb

On the flyMakes use of existing equipment

Facilitate student learning

VC Alternatives to Skype

Video Conferencing vs. StreamingStreaming

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

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

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

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

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!

The Scope of the Project

Phase I: Background ResearchPhase II: AFV ResearchPhase III: In Class Problems Solving Worksheet

Part IV: PresentationsPart V: Conclusion Questions

2009 Toyota Prius

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

Sample of Student’s Work

DecisionWe 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.

Sample of Student’s Work

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

OutcomesAlternative Fuel Vehicles ProjectStudents owned their learningParents and other viewers became part of the class

Provided an authentic means of assessment

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!”

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

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

Tell Everyone

Send out a “Tweet” or link to Facebook

Send notice home & tell colleaguesHow to find you & passwordTime of broadcastFor students, permission to opt-out

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

CaveatsPassword protectNetwork firewalls & permissions

Open chat & video portsDownloads: camera software, Flash

Teacher adaptationsSound & lightingDon’t forget to record & save the broadcast

Geometry Streamed.mov