ThinkQuest

ThinkQuest What is it? What can I do with it? How do I get started?

What is ThinkQuest? Protected online learning platform Integration of learning projects Develop 21st century skills

What is Project Learning? Systematic learning and teaching model Engages students in learning knowledge and skills Series of complex tasks

Project Learning Tasks Design and Planning Problem Solving Decision Making Product and Artifact Creation Commun- ication of Results

More Than Learning Projects Competition space Award-winning ThinkQuest Library Professional development program for educators

ThinkQuest can also be used for … Writing assignments Peer review Student collaboration Student expression Web Quests Homework assistance

21st Century Skills Critical thinking Teamwork Communications Creativity Technology Self direction Cross cultural understanding

Add your own autobiography Learn the Tools Add your own autobiography Add text Upload a picture Add a message board Teachers Show this

How Students Learn the Tools Personalize their page Assign a one day activity and have them share their information on ThinkQuest Pose a cliff hanger or scavenger hunts

The Project Learning Cycle Manage Define Plan Do Review The Project Learning Cycle

The ThinkPlan The ThinkPlan is your key to a successful project. It guides you through the steps of the project learning cycle. It can be time consuming and extensive, but it is well worth the effort. Show them my ThinkPlan.

Getting Started Pick two or three curricular unit as candidates Pick two or three standards to focus on during the project Pick two or three 21st century learning skills to focus on during the learning project

My First Project How this unit used to look How ThinkQuest changed the project The results

In the Old Days Teacher Students Paper and pencil tests to assess understanding Set up a lab Assigned worksheets and/or section reviews Lectured Some did well on the test Completed the lab Completed the worksheet Copied down the notes

The Problems Low student engagement Students merely memorized information Knowledge for knowledge’s sake

Giving Up Control Individual Students Phase One Individual Students Teacher determines product criteria Phase Two Small Groups (3-4) Class agrees on product format and criteria Phase Three Large Groups (5-6) Each group chooses their own product

The New and Improved Teacher Student Provide resources Provide feedback Facilitate processes Provide resources Present learning in a meaningful manner Discover key concepts Gather, analyze, and synthesize information

Lets look at the results

Other ways I use ThinkQuest Pose a question about an upcoming topic. Upload notes, pictures, and/or videos. Ask a question about what was taught.

Tips for Success Start small Plan, plan, plan Begin with the end in mind Build on something you already use Be flexible

How do I get started? Email your area technology integrator to get your user name and password.