Course Project Resources

Using Technology in Project Based Learning

The topic I choose to complete my course project on is “using technology in project based learning”.  First, I developed a survey and shared it with the #itdml students as well as some of my coworkers at Maloney High School.  Below are some of the Information received from the survey:

One of the questions I asked was, do you use project based learning in your classroom?

As you can see the majority of those who completed the survey stated yes, whereas only 2 stated no they do not use project based learning in their class.  One of the teachers who stated they do not use project based learning in their classroom was an elementary teacher and could be the reason why they do not feel like project based learning can benefit their students.  Another questions I found interesting was whether or not the teachers had access to technology in their classroom.  Most of the teachers said yes but one did say no.

My course project will contain some of those resources from my survey as well as the other resources included below:

Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2007). Reinventing project-based learning your field guide to real-world projects in the digital age. Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education.    

The article talks about how technology can offer a platform to maximize the benefits of project based learning in their classroom.  Not only does this resource speak to teachers, but it also has information for administrators, professional development opportunities and development specialist.  In my course project, I will solely be focusing on the portion stated for teachers.  The resources discusses different types of technology that can be used for any teachers seeking an innovative way to transform their traditional classroom into an active, student driven “experience”.  The ideas include collaboration through technology tools and connections made beyond the traditional classroom environment.  The resources also provides examples from other educators.

The third resources I would like to use in my course project is:

Thomas, J. (2000, March 1). A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON PROJECT-BASED LEARNING. Retrieved May 2, 2015

This is a review of research which includes a variety of resources all based around technology and project based learning. The article includes a variety of research data collected amongst teachers in a project based learning environment.  One researcher discussed in the article is Boaler.  He discusses the effects of PBL on students subject knowledge.  The resources discusses many other areas of review and develops conclusions based on the research findings.  Based on the article, there is some evidence students have difficulties benefiting from lectures including  complex projects. I believe one of the most important findings of the article is the positive evidence that PBL can enhance the quality of students' learning.

The fourth resources I would like to discuss is:

Keegan, A., & Turner, J. (2000). Quantity versus quality in project based learning practices (Draft version. ed.). Rotterdam: Erasmus Research Institute of Management, Erasmus Universiteit

In this resource article a study was completed in different companies throughout Europe.  The reason for the research was to analyze the learning practices of successful companies and compare them with a school setting.  The conclusion of the study showed when the proper amount of time is spent on a project based assignment there are key characteristics to showcase success.

Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://bie.org/index.php/site/RE/pbl_research/29  

This is a website I will use to collect more data on what project based learning is and how it can enhance the classroom setting.  The website will also provide me with information on how to properly set up project based assessments and make them relevant into a current curriculum.

Means, B., & Olson, K. (1995). Technology and education reform: Technical research report (Chapter 8). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.  

This resource discusses different observations in a project based learning environment using technology. The article will be beneficial to my course project by using it as a reference when discussing various observations.

The last resource I would like to include is a video (Project-Based Learning: Success Start to Finish. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2015) demonstrating what a project based learning environment looks like in a classroom setting using technology.  This video will provide myself and the reading of my course project with relevant information on the basics of project based learning.