Project-Based Learning: An Overview

        Project-based learning is a system of learning by doing. It is a system that is practiced around the world. Sophomore, Geometry students use it to solve problems. Their project consisted of designing a state-of-the-art high school to be built in 2050 on a particular site. Second and fifth grade students have used it to study cystic fibrosis and even design tools to put out fires in space. The students are more energized, focused, and challenged than in a traditional setting and curriculum. 

        The students are determined to do their best. They are able to collaborate real world projects. This puts students at the center of the learning process. Being at the center is the key to transforming the educational system. The transformation of new technology has helped make project-based learning available by moving past traditional curriculum. It is not about learning a particular subject on any given day.

        Project-based learning gives everyone the chance to mimic what scientists do. It can be fun, if it is done well. It is a great way to encourage collaboration amongst one another. It is also more authentic and challenging but yields positive results. There are fewer limitations with project-based learning and greater ways of connecting.

Project-Based Learning Video

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning

        Project-based learning is how one 9^th grade class does physics. They are able to create, build and test various wing structures that they design in teams. They then present their information to their parents, peers and even a panel of engineers by using data and graphs. The real tasks allow the students to learn by demonstrating.

        The project-based learning has shown to be the most effective way to teach. It is a unique way to present tasks that bring challenges for students to solve. This will help prepare students to be functioning adults by using their hands on activities for learning.
        With project-based learning, kids have shown that they learn better from their own experiences. Project-based learning can also be more effective that traditional learning by increasing academic achievements. It allows students to understand, apply, and retain information. Students are building skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration when using project-based learning.

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning Video

Project-Based Learning:Real-World Issues Motivate Students

        Bruce Alberts, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, states that, “Everybody is motivated by challenge and solving problems, and we don’t make use of that in schools enough. Project-based learning gives everybody a chance to sort of mimic what scientists do, and that’s exciting. And it’s fun if it’s done well.”

        It is best to start with hands-on projects. Project-based learning provides an excellent education, more so than the traditional. It encourages the students to ask questions and research a variety of sources. The projects usually last six weeks or more. Students are able to use whatever is appropriate to help solve the problem.

        Sylvia Chard, Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education at the University of Alberta, defines project learning as an “in-depth investigation of a real-world topic worthy of children’s attention and effort.” The first step involves the initial discussion and personal experience that can be connected to the topic. The second step involves sessions with experts and gathering the information. The third step is the actual presentation of the project to the audience. Project-based learning is not as catchy amongst the parents since their way of learning was different. 
        Along with enthusiasm, comes the desire to learn more. That is just what the project-based learning does. The students desire to dig deeper to learn more and even retain what they have learned and been taught. They make connections and expand on their social skills. This allow for a more confident student who makes better grades and has less disciplinary problems.

What to Teach

        Teachers must be certified to teach Math or English but surprisingly, teachers do not have to have a certification to teach a video production class. Most textbooks for video production are not current because of the fast paced changes in technology. By allowing your students to gravitate to the job they feel most interested with will allow you to get the best results.
        Start with the basics of equipment and add more advanced skills later. Using basic format of vocabulary will allow you get started and not hinder the students from being successful. As the students master new skills, you can build on them with each project. It is also a great idea to start with basic camera operation and composition, as well. The Internet and hands-on practice are great ways to master tips and improve with each project. You will learn as you go. Take it one project at a time, slowly learning to add better shots, computer graphics and even video effects.

Video Production in a Cooperative Learning Environment

        Team effort is required in making a video. There a many variables and tasks such as screenwriters, camera operators, costume and set designers, talent (actors), directors, technical directors, and editors. There are roles and responsibilities for everyone.
        As the teacher, your role would be the producer of the video productions. You would be responsible for making sure the video is created on a budget and in a timely manner. You must hire a good crew and ensure that they fit the assigned responsibility. Each student will bring strengths to the production, so preparing and prepping the students is vital.
        The screenwriter will be responsible for writing the script and mocking up the initial visuals for the video in the storyboards. It is important to make sure that the person for this role is creative and responsible. The screenwriter must also be able to consolidate brainstorming ideas from the entire video crew.
        It is best to encourage the outgoing students to tackle the roles of the actors. The energy they exuberate will help put the finishing touches on the production. The more introverted students will typically gravitate towards the behind-the-scenes positions, such as the camera operator. These students should have an artistic eye and be ready to be challenged mentally and physically.
There are other roles, such as the role of director, staff and editor, technical director, costume, make-up, set and props staff. There are plenty of options for all. All the students should be able to find something engaging to do.

Storyboard Your Project

        Creating a storyboard requires a lot of decision making and performing many tasks. You must first evaluate your screenplay. Your separate shots should be visually translated into individual storyboard panels. Each shot consists of continuous footage without cuts. The individual panels help make the task seem less overwhelming.
        When getting ready to piece your storyboard, you must make sure that you have the right location, the correct number of actors, props and even special lighting. You may want to storyboard every shot of just certain scenes. You many change your mind once you begin shooting and consider your options and surroundings.
        Shapes and dimensions will determine if you are creating a storyboard for the television screen or theatrical screen. Creating a storyboard panel is a great way to envision your film by creating a box of your illustration. You can purchase pads of storyboard panels or even make your own. Creating your own is simple and will help give you an idea of what your individual image will look like.

Radio WillowWeb

        The three podcasts that I chose were Willowcast #32 – Inspiring Inventors, Willowcast #30 – Effective Energy, and Willowcast #21 – Endangered Animals Everywhere. Either second or fourth grade elementary students did all three podcasts.
        Inspiring Inventors podcast discussed invention vocabulary, inventors, made jokes about inventions, spoke about poetry, mentioned facts about inventions, gave a book review about an inventor, and closed the session with patent information. You could tell young readers read the speaking parts, since the audio was very monotone. However, the speakers spoke loud and clear and gave very insightful information regarding inventors and inventions. I felt this podcast was very well laid out for second grade students.
        The Effective Energy podcasts discussed renewable energy and solar energy. The podcast began with descriptive information and then moved to discussing “Did you know?” questions. Wonderful websites and poetry were also included in the session. This podcast was not as long as the first podcast that I listened to but it was informative and educational.
        Endangered Animals Everywhere podcast discussed threatened and endangered animals. The podcast began with vocabulary discussion and moved to questions, jokes, species spotlight, and poetry. The students also chose to speak on how things could be done differently to help with endangerment. This podcast was more organized and informative than the other two podcasts.
        I enjoyed getting to listen to the podcasts and think they would be a great way to incorporate group work among the class. The students could take turns researching and speaking about what they learned

.Radio WillowWeb

What's Behind the Great Podcast Renaissance?

        After Steve Jobs announced the original iPod in 2001, people have been able to carry their entire album of collections in their pockets. With this, podcasting became a thriving mini-industry, over the next few years. Eventually, the podcast scene withered away. People used online video and streaming music services.

        Nowadays, there are way too many podcasts to follow. Podcasts are much better now than they used to be and economics are compelling. Podcasts are easier to produce than a TV or radio show and the advertising rates are big enough to pay for the costs over and over. The cost to an advertiser per thousand impressions, a standard ad-industry unit (CPM) is cheaper as a podcast, than a radio CPM or network TV, or even a regular old web ad.
        44 percent of all radio listening takes place in the car where listeners are captive, tuned in for long stretches of time, and valuable to advertisers. An average of 91 percent of Americans over the age of 12 listen to the radio weekly. This has helped make it possible for people to make a living doing podcasts.

Podcasting: Hear What The Buzz Is About

        Audio files created to be distributed over the Internet, are known as podcasts. They are a free, audio-based blogging phenom. Most podcasts are usually encoded in MP3 format. The cool part is that they can downloaded automatically and you can hear what anyone with a mic, a computer, and an Internet connection has to say.

        Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is the key technology behind delivering podcasts. This format is used for delivering summaries (or feeds) of news stories, but you can also attach audio files to these feeds as well. MTV VJ Adam Curry is to thank for writing the first AppleScript to transfer audio files to an iPod. This is how to get your files to your portable player. There are applications such as iPodder, iPodderXLite, and Doppler that assist with the downloading and transferring of podcasts to your portable player.
        Podcasting is growing. It’s a great way to stay informed, whether it’s talk about technology, discussions of less-than-mainstream politics, or music.

The Concept - Mapping Classroom

Students and teachers in more than 60 percent of the U.S. school districts use the Inspiration Software products Kidspiration and Inspiration. Inspiration, for students in 6 grade and above, and Kidspiration, the software’s K-5 version, allows the students to make organized visual-learning webs that can be used for projects and writing. Inspiration can be used to create diagrams and outlines and move between the two views as they work, making connection between topics, rearranging ideas, and virtually planning any assignment. Educators also use the software in all subject areas and for planning lessons, setting goals and creating assignments.
The programs offer tools for clarifying the thinking and thought processes of the students. The programs also help with organizing and prioritizing information. The tools offered accommodate students’ individual learning styles. Kindergarteners are able to write their own books with Kidspiration and high school students use Inspiration to prepare for state achievement tests.
Software is not simply a language arts tool, but also lends itself to every discipline by allowing the students to open a blank document and create their own activity. Kidspiration can help students map out independent learning projects, and for recording and organizing information as the students brainstorm together. The results can be printed immediately. Inspiration has the ability to insert ready-to-use or imported graphics, imbedded hotlinks to valuable Web sites, and the ability to revert to an outline form. Students are able to learn about the topic that they are working on, along with new computer skills. These programs help the students organize their thoughts and overcome their fear of the “blank page” as they tackle projects.