Project-Based Learning and Multimedia :
Designing a Powerpoint Project

 Introduction - Why Project-Based Learning -  Curriculum Standards -
Frame an Essential Question - Curriculum Standards -
Planning the Project - Assessment  - Exemplary PBL Units - Technology Resources

Introduction

Project-based learning is touted as a way to create standards-based, authentic, engaging tasks that motivate students to learn. However, research on the Internet, "best practices" for unit design and implementation can be overwhelming. Project-based learning tasks take many shapes and offer a variety of venues for presenting the information. Today we will focus on the use of multimedia with a project-based learning task. The professional learning quest will include choosing a curriculum standard, identifying an essential question and creating an assessment. The project will be presented and shared using multimedia. Throughout the process many 21st century skills will be reviewed including using online tools to brainstorm, searching for high-quality resources and using the technologies for creating a multimedia product.

Why would you use project-based learning in your classroom?

Buck Institute for Education: A Project-Based Learning Handbook
http://www.bie.org/pbl/pblhandbook/intro.php
"PBL is an attempt to create new instructional practices that reflect the environment in which children now live and learn."

What is Project-Based Learning? An Overview
http://virtualschoolhouse.visionlink.org/pbl.htm

Why is Project-Based Learning Important?
http://www.edutopia.org/modules/PBL/whypbl.php

Multiple Intelligences and PBL
http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/intell.shtml

Characteristics of Projects:
Designing Effective Projects : Intel Education
Characteristics of Projects
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/Design/ProjectCharacteristics/

Curriculum Standards

Identify a standard you (and a partner) would like to target. Here are some sites you can use to help you:

Greenwich Public Schools Curriculum Site

Greenwich Library Online Catalog - Search for Standards

Connecticut State Department of Curriculum and Instruction

 

Frame the Essential Question:

Using your curriculum standard and "enduring understanding", frame the "right question". Work with a partner to craft questions for your unit.

Asking the Right Questions : Essential Questions & Project-Based Learning
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/Design/CurriculumQuestions/

Resources on Framing an Essential Question & Enduring Understandings
http://greenwichschools.org/Resources/virtuallibrary/Essential/index.html

 

Plan the Project:

Planning the Project
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/Design/PlanningProjects/

Unit Design Guidelines (PDF form)

Planning Form (PDF)

Project-Based Learning Collaboration Form (PDF)

 

Exemplary Ideas for Project-Based Learning Units:

Designing Effective Projects: Unit Plans by Grade Level
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/UnitPlanIndex/GradeIndex/

Read - Write - Think Lesson Ideas
http://www.readwritethink.org/

Science NetLinks
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/matrix.cfm

PBL Exemplary Projects
http://www.wested.org/pblnet/exemplary_projects.html

Lesson Ideas
http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/ali/ilife.html

WISE - Web-Based Inquiry Science Environment
http://wise.berkeley.edu/welcome.php

Project-Based Learning with Technology: A Community of Learners
http://coe.ksu.edu/pbl/

 

Assessment:

 

Powerpoint Rubric
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/pptrubric.html

RubiStar - Create a Rubric for your Project-Based Learning Unit
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

Project-Based Learning Checklist
http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/checklist.shtml

Planning Project Assessment
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/Design/AssessingProjects/Planning_Project_Assessment.htm

Evaluating the Unit
http://www.essentialschools.org/cs/resources/view/ces_res/85

Technology Resources:

Mactopia for Presentation Templates
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/resources/templates.aspx?pid=templates&browser=1

Free Templates for Powerpoint Presentations
http://www.websiteestates.com/free_education_powerpoint_templates.php?osCsid=

Powerpointers
Tips, articles and how-tos on delivering an effective presentation.
http://www.presentation-pointers.com/index.asp?