ICTI-230: Project Based Learning (6-12)

About this course

The approach of “learning by doing” is an age-old practice that provides learners with hands-on, authentic learning experiences that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Project-based learning taps into these skills by providing opportunities for students to become active participants in their learning through the exploration of meaningful real-world questions and/or problems along with their potential solutions. This practice engages both students and teachers, helping students to make connections between school activities and the challenges they will face as they shift into college and their future careers. By participating in this course, you will learn how to define, plan, and implement project-based learning principles into the 6-12 classroom by working to create a project-based plan for your classroom.

 

What will I learn in this course?

Week 1: Defining Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is more than just one of the latest “buzzwords” in Education. It is an inquiry-based teaching method where students are engaged in questioning and creating while deepening their understanding of a topic. In this module, you will learn to define project-based learning as well as other related terminology and examine the impacts of project-based learning on student engagement and learning.

Week 2: First Steps for Project-Based Learning

Many educators agree that Project-Based Learning is an effective and enjoyable way for students to learn and deepen their understanding of content knowledge through engaging, hands-on lessons, but some may have reservations when it comes to implementing this approach in their classroom. Having a clear path is vital when you are planning hands-on projects in the classroom. This week, we will begin to look at the steps that others take to create a successful project-based learning unit and plan how to assess a project-based learning experience.

Week 3: Examples of Project-Based Learning

There is certainly more than one way to prepare for a successful project-based learning experience, but one of the best ways is to view examples of successful lessons. In this third week, learning focuses on an analysis of some 6-12 project-based learning examples as well as to develop more experience by creating a full outline of a project-based learning project for your classroom.

Week 4: Creating a Project-Based Learning Experience

Now that you have learned more about the process and importance of creating project-based learning opportunities for students, it is time to synthesize learning by finalizing a PBL project for your 6-12 classroom. In this final week, you will review essential elements of successful project-based learning experiences and create a presentation to share your project-based learning plan with fellow educators in preparation for launching a project in your classroom.

Why choose iTeach online courses?

  • Courses are delivered completely online, self-paced, and facilitated by an expert in the field.
  • Receive individualized feedback from your instructor.
  • Courses are equivalent to twenty professional development contact hours.
  • Work through each module at your own pace.
  • Register on an open-enrollment basis. No application or prerequisites required.
  • Receive a course completion certificate and digital badge after successfully completing the course. Use your badge to showcase your expertise and skill set on social media profiles, your email signature block, or electronic copies of a résumé.
  • All iTeach courses are designed to help educators and administrators more successfully integrate technology into teaching and learning.

FORMAT: Facilitated online course. Work each weekly module at your own pace.

COST: $120 per participant with discounts for larger groups.

SCHEDULE: This course can be scheduled for groups from the same school or district. It is not available for individual registration. The course is equivalent to 20 contact hours. Email TIM@fcit.us for group scheduling, volume discounts, or other questions.

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