Integrating the Internet into a Problem-based Curriculum
Developing students’ problem solving skills involves many steps. Teachers and students work jointly to select topics, decide on the learning processes and products, find resources, and create appropriate means for assessment. Ultimately, it is the teacher's responsibility to move this process from teacher-directed to student-directed. The end result should be that students have the freedom, confidence, skills, and imagination to develop and structure their own learning experiences. Learners need to learn how to state problems, pose questions, find answers, and ultimately to see learning as a continuous interaction with their world. The use of technology can facilitate and enhance this process. This course is designed to assist teachers in developing a problem-based unit which will incorporate technology. Teachers will learn the theory behind problem-based learning. They will understand the process of how to define a problem and organize questions related to that problem. They will learn how to identify quality resources that can enhance the problem-solving process and final develop a product which they can incorporate into their classrooms.
This course is designed to meet NETS*T standards 1,2,3,4,and 5.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of this module, learners will be able to:
This course is designed around five modules and is designed around the following components:
Research Component-Learners
will write a research paper on Problem-based Learning
Collaboration Component-Learners will collaborate
on identifying a problem and questions relating to that problem.
Design Component- Learners will design a Problem-based
lesson plan that incorporates technology.
Assessment Component-Learners will assess their
own learning as well as their peers.
Reflection Component- Learners will reflect upon
their experience and the difficulties and successes they experienced.
What
is Problem-based Learning?
This site developed by the Center for Problem-based Learning contains excellent
information regarding Problem-based Learning. This site will be used throughout
the course and students are encouraged to explore this site.
SCORE
Problem-Based Learning
This web site discussed what PBL is and the stages of PBL. It also provides
additional links and information
PBL
and the Lively Classroom
A brief article that describes how Problem-based learning transforms the classroom.
Free
Brainstorming Training
This site provides extensive information on the "what, why, and how"
of brainstorming.
Creating
Problems for PBL
An article on Problem-based Learning
Building
Integrated Technology Projects
A website that discusses design process and assessment integrating technology.
Strategies for Integrating Technology into the Curriculum A variety of resources for integrating technology into projects for students
The Road Ahead. This site contains resources on project-based learning and integrating the Internet. It includes information on project design and a variety of other resources.
Finding Information of the Web This page will provide you with resources for locating resources on the Internet to assist you with your project.
The Big 6. Explore the information problem solving model developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz
Rubistar: Design your own Rubric to assess student learning.
Lesson
Plans from Fort Bend ISD
Lessons based on a series of questions for students to answer. This site presents
the 'set-up/problem,' the questions to be answered, and a description of the
final product.
Oh!
Give me A Home
This is a Web Quest on designing an environment for endangered species. Illustrates
how a unit is developed around a problem
Sample
PBL Problems
A variety of Problem-based learning problems, mostly aimed at the college
level, but provides some good information and ideas
The
Starting Block
A tool to help students shape their lack of knowledge about a topic into
an active readiness to learn
Innovation
House
Resources, tools, tutorials and information for creative thinking, lateral
thinking, problem solving, creativity and brainstorming
This course is designed as an online course. Students are encouraged to spend at least one hour per day on this course. Further, students are expected to post to the discussion board at least twice a week, and to participate in at least one group chat with their peers.
To begin this course please go to the Assignments section on the left panel.