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A. Introduction to Networked Project-Based Learning
1. What is Project Based Learning (PBL)?
In research conducted by the AutoDesk Foundation, teachers from seventeen schools agreed that PBL exhibited similar characteristics:
Characteristics of project- based learning
- Students make decisions within a prescribed framework.
- There’s a problem or challenge without a predetermined solution.
- Students design the process for reaching a solution.
- Students are responsible for accessing and managing the information they gather.
- Evaluation takes place continuously.
- Students regularly reflect on what they’re doing.
- A final product (not necessarily material) is produced and is evaluated for quality.
- The classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and change.
Generally speaking,
students engaged in a project...
- ...have some choice in deciding what they will work on.
- ...plan their own project.
- ...participate in defining criteria and rubrics to assess their project.
- ...solve problems they encounter while working on their project.
- ...make some sort of presentation of their project.
The project-based learning approach creates a "constructivist" learning environment in which students construct their own knowledge. Whereas in the "old school" model the teacher was the task master -- in the "new school" model the teacher becomes the facilitator. See graphic comparing two models.
