Project-Based Learning plus Multimedia (PBL+MM) TEDU 560 Instructional Strategies for Using the Internet Instructor: Jill Baedke

Definitions… PBL+MM is a method of teaching and learning in which students acquire new knowledge and skills in the course of designing, planning, and producing a multimedia product. Multimedia is the integration of media objects such as text, graphics, video, animation, and sound to represent and convey information.

Goals of the Project-based Learning model Authentic and meaningful project for the students and the real world SOL focused and usually multi disciplinary Impacts “life skills” such as self-management, group work, or problem solving techniques Long range project (weeks to months) that builds on knowledge and research Assessed in many ways Uses a multimedia tool (HyperStudio, PowerPoint, video, slide show, iMovie, KidPix, etc.) to present the final product.

Stages of a PBL+MM There are several ways to design a PBL+MM. This is a modified six step approach that will be easy to implement. 1.Question 2.Plan 3.Schedule 4.Project 5.Assessment 6.Presentation

1. Question The project should be something that appeals to the student and is authentic or real. ( Examples: plan a class colonial garden; monitor speed of cars passing in school zone; raise money for a new track; submit an exercise plan; advertise the school play) The project should support your SOL focus and can be multi disciplinary. ( Examples: Measuring=Math, journaling=Language Arts, word processing=Technology) Decide on a multimedia component to present the final product. ( Class or individual HyperStudio, PowerPoint, iMovie, slide show, video clip )

2. Plan Involve or guide student to develop goals of the project ( Examples: KWHL chart, survey, Venn diagram, web mapping, brainstorming activities, timelines ) Brainstorm resources (Examples:Internet sites, printed resources, interviews, surveys, opinion polls, etc.) Divide class into cooperative groups and assign rolls

3. Schedule Decide on date of final project. Decide on dates for components to be due. (Examples: Surveys, experiments, printed research, interviews, web research, etc.) Discuss appropriate assessments to keep project on schedule.

4. Project Students - working in groups - begin project. Teacher monitors activities and encourages groups to plan, implement and evaluate activities. Teacher makes suggestions as to pacing, direction and team member’s accountability. Students use teacher as a guide, facilitator, and advisor for project ideas and direction.

5. Assessment Discuss checkpoints and goals. Create simple rubrics for self-assessing and team assessment. Establish final assessment of multimedia presentations.

6. Multimedia Presentation Allow time to create a final product using a pre- established list of multimedia tools and software. Allow time to present final product to class, school or outside parties. Take time to reflect, share feelings, and discuss outcomes. Encourage new inquiries, new ideas and more projects.

Where Do You Start? Think of an exciting “real world” project that would support or validate your curriculum. Projects must be authentic to motivate the students. Elementary: create a weather station or bird station; plan snacks for field day; collect items for a nursing home: send letters to a person in the service. Secondary: Use the question, “Why are we studying this?” and suggest a real project to use those content skills. Examples: Design a kite (math and science); plan a trip to “X” (geography, math, economics); find an apartment (marketing, math, regional economics).

Then what? Once you have established a workable project – involve the class in all stages of the process. Be a guide to help them decide on a time frame, research, and products to contribute to the big picture and a final presentation. These are real life skills and decisions - using SOL content - that you are encouraging for future projects or problems. Be flexible, supportive, and allow for change.

What Resources Are Used? Unlike a WebQuest - where web resources are the main tool for gathering information - a PBL activity can branch out to include interviews, surveys, experiments, observations, calculations, field trips, mapping, and much more. The students develop a plan of action to gather the necessary information for their final product, presentation, or performance The teacher’s job is to make suggestions, foster problem-solving skills, and be a guide.

How do you plant a garden?

One flower at a time...

How do you create a PBL+MM?

One step at a time...

Lesson 10 Assignment Use the resources suggested by the instructor to explore the PBL sites for definitions, philosophies, and ideas. Choose one Project-based Learning activity that “knocked your socks off” and share it with your class on the Discussion Board. Forum: “WOW! Check out this PBL!” Add a few sentences about how you feel PBL strategies might benefit your students and support your curriculum. Start working on your project & rubric(s) due to your group by 8/24 and to Jill by 8/28. PLEASE work with your team!

Lesson 11 Assignments Using one of your topics, start developing a PBL+MM learning activity. Use the WORD template (Course Documents > Lesson 10) to develop each step of your project. Decide on how many assessments (rubrics) that you may need to evaluate the different skills. (self-assessment, team work, final product) Create your rubrics or use a rubric site to help you create your assessment tools.

Lesson 12 Assignments Have your group critique your PBL+MM - due to them by 8/24 Upload your assignment to Jill by 8/28 *I realize that the time frame is tight - so please work with your team to get everything done by the start of school. *Let me know if I can help!

Notes: Lessons 13 and 14 (9/18 & 9/25) will be considered independent study as you implement TWO of your projects - although this implementation can be started earlier in the month. There will be a lesson plan template suggested by ISTE and used by all the classes in this Technology Certificate cohort. (Course Documents > Lesson 13.) Lesson 15 will be the final summary and reflection of your projects, instructional strategies, and using the Internet in your classroom through web-based projects.

Have a great school year!