What is Project Based Learning? Project based learning (PBL) is an instructional model that reflects a constructivist philosophy of learning. PBL uses students' multiple intelligences by posing "real world" problems, encouraging students to find "real" solutions, and tying the project together with an end product or student presentation. In PBL, the teacher is the coach, the facilitator of the discovery of knowledge rather than the central point of knowledge dissemination. In this role, teachers encourage students to engage in meaningful tasks, helping them to develop strategies to achieve the project's goal(s). What is the role of technology in Project Based Learning? The integration of technology is often crucial to PBL. Technology can be used in PBL in the planning, execution, and presentation of projects. Many teachers know using the Internet or a software program like Hyperstudio in the classroom can be just the motivation students need to tap into their creativity and complete in-class activities and tasks with energy and enthusiasm. In PBL, technology can be used to access information, analyze information, organize information, interpret information, and represent information for others. Through the use of technology, students can gain some control over the learning process. With the Internet, for example, teachers now can give students first-hand access to information that previously would have been controlled solely by the teacher. How can I use Project Based Learning in my classroom? As with any teaching or learning strategy, there are several factors involved in the success of PBL in the elementary classroom. Researchers agree that in order for PBL to succeed, teachers need to consider the following: Identify a project that will enthuse your students - one that meets the needs of the curriculum, that meets content standards, and that challenges and interests and is meaningful to the students. Break the project into smaller sub-projects so students don't become overwhelmed. You may want to create checklists - or involve your students in the creation of checklists - that have clear expectations, goals, and timelines for each part of the project. Develop an assessment scheme that is consistent with the project, probably a rubric - the focus should be on learning rather than on grades. You'll find useful information about developing rubrics at these Web pages: Just What Is a Rubric? - http://www.middleweb.com/CSLB2rubric.html The Basics: What Is a 'Rubric'? - http://www.rubrics.com/concepts/index.html You and your students should be comfortable enough with any technology you are using that you are able to really exploit it, rather than having to spend valuable classroom time learning the skills needed to use the technology effectively. You can learn more about PBL at the following Web sites: http://www.2learn.ca/Projects/Together/KWORDS/projecta.html http://www.bie.org/pbl/overview/whatis.html http://www.ed.gov/pubs/SER/Technology/ch8.html http://www.4teachers.org/projectbased http://pblmm.k12.ca.us