Problem-based learning is a new pedagogical technique that allows students to study real-life scenarios and form critical thinking skills through collaboration, inquiry, and research. I wish I saw this more in the classrooms today. Isn't it important to give our students choices, encourage them discover problems, and collaborate to solve them? We are so bound by standard-based curriculums that I feel we are losing sight of what is really important in education. I'm not saying that basal curriculums cannot be used as a resource, and certainly, as a guide to the standards. However, authentic practices, such as problem-based learning, can give students the opportunities to personally connect to the material, and feel that they have purpose for learning.
As I've been reading, I've discovered that problem-based learning can be expanded not only to the real world, but to the digital world as well. Digital worlds, such as SecondLife and Alien Attack!, allow students to explore virtual worlds, and discover challenges they may not find in their own community. Through the use of technology, these worlds encourage students to collaborate and critically think about the material. In the end, the students may create an authentic project displaying their results and learning from the experience. Authentic assessments allow students to use their strengths to display their knowledge. What better way to inspire growth and success in our students?!
As I think more about how technology can be used in the classroom, I am wondering if interactive KWLs can be created through video programs? My initial thoughts are having students podcast their thoughts (what they know and want to know), and posting this on a site such as http://voicethread.com/. With this in place, peers can comment on each others thought ON the actual video. They can doodle or express thoughts for others to see on their peers podcasts. Students could "blog" back and forth on these videos to truly discuss their prior knowledge and goals. To complete the KWL, students would return to the site and record their final thoughts of what they learned. Once again, the tool would be used to facilitate discussion about the topic that all of the students are participating in...Thoughts?
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