All the buzz about project based learning has me thinking about how I learn. There is so much I want to learn from Arduino and Raspberry Pi to spinning yarn. Whether it is a personal information need, such as how to get my recipes from this
to this
or a professional one like how to create QR code listening stations, I don’t learn by listening to a lecture. If I read about how to knit socks and pass a written quiz on the steps involved I guarantee I won’t be able to actually do it. In fact, my first mitten came out so big I actually still use it when reading the kids Jan Brett’s The Mitten…but I digress.
My point is this - as adults, we learn by doing. We are lucky to have technology to assist us, whether it is watching a YouTube video, asking a question on a forum, or discussing an issue online with an expert. We may need to solve a problem or locate information. But whatever the reason, our learning isn’t static, it isn’t solely aural, or visual. We apply what we learn to a new situation, we adapt and synthesize the information to suit our specific needs. We use what we’ve learned to create something new. Why should it be any different for our students?
Project based learning replaces ‘textbook’ problems with real life questions and activities that allow students to have authentic learning experiences, to learn with a purpose, to follow an interest. And technology is the key - the key to making the experience authentic and meaningful, the key to integrating 21st century skills in a purposeful manner, the key to allowing students to use their resources and brains to solve problems and not just recall information.
With the ever-increasing number of apps, websites, tools and technology available to teachers, it can be overwhelming to determine what steps to take to integrate technology and positively impact student learning.
Dr. Ruben Puentedura created the SAMR model to assist teachers with the process of integrating technology in the classroom.
Dr. Ruben Puentedura created the SAMR model to assist teachers with the process of integrating technology in the classroom.
It can be helpful as we adjust existing lessons or create new projects to take a look at where they fit on the SAMR ladder. SAMR can verify that our integration of technology is helping students with higher order skills, or show us that we might just be replacing low-tech with high-tech and not actually asking more of our students. Several conversations and tools enhance or modify the SAMR model. Considering these as well can further inform our practice. Kathy Schrock provides many resources to explanations, enhancements and applications of SAMR on her website, Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything.
Thinking about student choice with project based learning still makes me a little nervous. Do I really have the skills to guide students while letting them choose their direction? Will I be able to ensure that they are analyzing and synthesizing, engaging in higher level thinking, designing and creating? I think that the SAMR model and its’ variations can help me in this area. I can take a look at where the project is heading, determine the step on the SAMRs ladder, and tweak if necessary to ensure my students’ learning is heading in the right direction.
Integrating technology in a meaningful manner insures that we are including both the 21st century skills and the learning that are vital for our students’ success. Luckily, we have many resources, human and otherwise, to assist in this most important endeavor.
Integrating technology in a meaningful manner insures that we are including both the 21st century skills and the learning that are vital for our students’ success. Luckily, we have many resources, human and otherwise, to assist in this most important endeavor.
Gorman, M. (2014, September 15). Essential Connections of STEM, PBL, and Tech Integration… What Would Dewey Think? Retrieved from https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/essential-connections-of-stem-pbl-and-tech-integration-what-would-dewey-
think/
Introduction to the SAMR Model. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/introduction-to-the-samr-model
Puentedura, R. (2014, November 12). SAMR: First Steps. Retrieved from http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/
Reed, C. (2015, February 02). Listening Center Ideas for 1st Grade. Retrieved from http://thebrownbagteacher.blogspot.com/2015/02/1st-grade-listening-
center.html
Schrock, K. (n.d.). Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything. Retrieved from http://www.schrockguide.net/
think/
Introduction to the SAMR Model. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/introduction-to-the-samr-model
Puentedura, R. (2014, November 12). SAMR: First Steps. Retrieved from http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/
Reed, C. (2015, February 02). Listening Center Ideas for 1st Grade. Retrieved from http://thebrownbagteacher.blogspot.com/2015/02/1st-grade-listening-
center.html
Schrock, K. (n.d.). Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything. Retrieved from http://www.schrockguide.net/