RSA 2: Problem-Based Learning

Designing for Problem-Based Learning in a Collaborative STEM lab: A Case Study

“Designing for Problem-Based Learning in a Collaborative STEM lab: A Case Study” is an article explaining how a team used problem base learning to do a science experiment. The goal is to find an effective way to use a STEM lab to maximize learning.  The project uses virtual telepresence, which is using technology to make a student feel as though they are in another location. Examples would be webcams, simulations, or Cisco. For this experiment, a person will appear on one screen while something else will be projected on an adjacent screen. The purpose is to maxiumize the vision of the person who is being telepresence into the room. The more parts of the room the person can see the more they will feel as though they are part of the room.

This goes along with the reading “12 Timeless Project-Based Learning Resources”  because the article discusses using different technologies to give students unique experiences. The idea is to get the student out of the classrooms without actually leaving the classroom

Teacher Perspective and Experiences: Using Problem –Based Learning with Exceptional and Diverse Students

“Teacher Perspective and Experiences: Using Problem –Based Learning with Exceptional and Diverse Students” starts by giving a brief overview of how problem-based learning first started being used.  The article then gives a brief case study about an experiment with gifted students as well as students with disabilities. The progress of the students is discusses as well as why the authors believe the results were what they were.

This article took PBL all the way back to its roots which is quite different from what was read in the module four reading. The articles in the module four readings focused on new technology and how the technology can be used to help students and further advance PBL. However, this article shows that people have been using the idea of PBL long before many different types of technology was created.

Bringing the World to the classroom through videoconferencing and Problem-Based Learning. 

The article “Bringing the World to the classroom through videoconferencing and Problem-Based Learning” is a case student on how a classroom teacher brought the world to the classroom without having to leave the room. The teacher focused on cross-curricular activities so students could get more out of each lesson. Students were to create projects and then use videoconferencing with outside resources to gather information. In other words do field work without having to leave the classroom. The results of the work were some of the finest work the teacher saw.

The article mentions the use of  Edutopia just like the article “12 Timeless Project-Based Learning Resources”  Students were able to use the tools Edutopia to help with his or her project. Both articles stress learning beyond the walls and bringing the world inside the classroom.

New Challenges for Project-Based Learning in the New Digital Age

This article focuses on the different programs a teacher or student can use to help make an effect Project-Based Learning experience. The article also outlines nine steps that should occur before a Project-Based Learning project is complete. The nine steps discuss a high level of collaboration in order for students to have maximum success.

After reading the module 4 readings, this article really helps putting all of the ideas together. “12 Timeless Project-Based Learning Resources”  provides the tools for Project-Based Learning while “New Challenges for Project-Based Learning in the New Digital Age” provides the steps to use Project-Based Learning to the fullest.

References

12 Timeless Project-Based Learning Resources. (2013, July 6). Retrieved February 7, 2015, from http://www.teachthought.com/learning/project-based-learning/13-timeless-project-based-learning-resources/

Estes, M., Liu, J., Zha, S., & Reedy, K. (n.d.). Designing for problem-based learning in a collaborative STEM lab: A case study. TechTrends, 58(6), 90-98. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from Ebscohost.

Hopper, S. (2014). Bringing the World to the classroom through videoconferencing and Problem-Based Learning. Tech Trends, 58(3), 78-90. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from Ebscohost.

Hovey, K., & Ferguson, S. (n.d.). Teacher Perspective and Experiences: Using Problem –Based Learning with Exceptional and Diverse Students. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from Ebscohost.

Project-Based Learning and the Common Core: Resource Roundup. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-common-core-resources

Zafivrov, C. (n.d.). New Challenges for Project-Based Learning in the New Digital Age. Trakia Journal of Sciences, 11(3), 298-302. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from Ebscohost.