First+Things+First!

= Welcome to Project-Based Learning! = We've all been hearing about PBL (a.k.a. Student-Centric Learning, Problem-Based Learning, etc.) We've had staff development time allotted to help us gain a better understanding of what PBL is and to explore the enormous number of resources out there.

Yet, we're **__still__** wondering-



That's not the ONLY question!

Wondering what all the hype is about PBL? Wondering how you will implement it in your classroom? Wondering where you begin? It’s surely a challenge to implement any new method of teaching in your classroom, but if we are to address the differentiated learning styles of our students today and strive to engage each and every student, help is on the way. Along with learning about PBL, you are about to experience the future of learning in an online format. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck!

After completing this course, you will be able to:


 * define Project-Based Learning.
 * identify the 21st Century skills required to enable K-12 students to be college and work-ready as well as effective members of their communities.
 * execute the project planning process, identifying a specific content-related project to fit in their curriculum.
 * state the crafting (essential) question or problem statement for a project which encompasses all project content and outcomes.
 * design an integrated project that meets state standards of various subject areas' curriculum units.
 * organize a unit according to the five design principles as identified by The Project Based Learning Handbook, published by the Buck Institute for Education.
 * develop a lesson integrating technology into the classroom.
 * utilize the project-based evaluation method as identified by []
 * identify and utilize a minimum of five PBL Reading and Resources.

That’s a lot to accomplish, but the beauty of an online course is that you are able to work through this on YOUR OWN schedule, whenever it suits you best. Are you a night owl? Are you an early bird? Do you work best in the quiet confines of your own home? These are only a few of the advantages of learning online. While we will have structured modules with specific deadline dates, you will decide when you want to complete the assignments.

You will have the added advantage of collaborating with your colleagues through the Discussion Forum, as well as 24-hour access to your instructor via email. Post questions along the way, contribute to your colleagues’ ideas by adding another perspective, and benefit from the input of others’ perspective, as well.

After completion of this course, not only will you have had the experience of online learning, but you will also have an abundance of resources to help you get started on implementing PBL in your classroom. It’s an exciting adventure of learning and I look forward to working with you as a team with the shared goal of providing our students with a learning environment that will engage them and encourage them to learn at their utmost potential.