Eclectic Technology

This is the final post of three (from Tony Vincent) where it shares tools that allow students to become the teacher as they create and present the final project (as in project-based learning). The first two posts are Crafting Questions That Drive Projects  and  Investigating Authentic Questions.

The post is divided into the sections listed below.

* Audience is the Key, where he shares why knowing your audience is important.

* Samples Really Help. He discussed why samples help, and reminds us that we can find samples online which the students may learn from. There are also links to quite a few resources in this section.

* See These Samples. Yes, he has included samples within the post. You will find six examples of projects for elementary school, middle school and high school! He also has requested that folks share samples from their students so he can share them online.

* Cool Tools. This is a very robust section where he provides a lengthy list of tools, and divides it into three sections: Slideshows & Visuals, Audio & Video, and Books & Comics. Many of the tools listed here are free and many run on a variety of platforms. For each tool he lists there is a short description and a list of platforms it runs on. He also provides a link to an infographic he designed called  Show What You Know Using Web and Mobile Apps. This shares iPad apps and is a great resource.

* Make it Sticky. In this section he discusses what makes a project "sticky" (and the research that supports this). What is a sticky idea? "One that an audience can understand, remember, and retell." This section also includes a video that shares resources for images (as well as a transcript with links).

* So Refined. This sections explores how we can set our students up for success.

one that an audience can understand, remember, and retell

*Assessing It.  This section discusses assessment and provides links to websites that provide rubrics and checklists. There is also a video from Edutopia, that looks at how to embed assessments throughout the project.

* Getting the Word Out. Students are proud of their product and need to share it. This sections shares resources that allow you to share the work of your students, or better yet, allow students to share their work online. Some examples are provided

* Reflect On It. As educators we are often asked to reflect on your work. Provide time for students to do this also.

* You Know Better Than Anyone. Remember Project-Based Learning takes time, and lots of juggling. There is some great advice on this here.

This post, along with the two earlier posts, provide so many resources for those who may be new to Project-Based Learning, or for those who have been using it and would like additional resources. Have fun exploring all three and share those final projects online for others to view.

This new website from Jackie Gerstein explores technology use in social and emotional learning. Quoting from the site "This website has been designed to describe technology activities that facilitate social emotional learing.The links in the menu lead to descriptions of the individual activities. They can be sued within formal and inforrmal educational setting. Even though the focus of the activities are on building and enhacing social emtional learning, many can be connected with content standards related to language arts, oral communication, media literacy, and ISTE's National Education Standards for Students."

The website is very easy to use. There is a menu that provides a list of 14 activities, including Conflict Management Strategies Posters, Book Trailers, and Teach Tech to Grandparents. Most have samples of projects. Not all are relevant to all ages but she does state that she has used some with both elementary and college students.