Problem Based Learning

The video on problem based learning was amazing. The things the kindergartners in the video were doing were like things I previously read about in text books. The students in the video have taken ownership in the educational process. I believe the reason why they are so energized, interested, and engaged is because they are learning about things that are practical. They are not just learning because a teacher said this is something you need to learn. The learning that I saw take place in the video was could automatically be directly connected to real life experiences. The students also played a major role in each step of the project. In many classrooms when a project is beginning the teacher does the research and decides what activities are going to be completed as well as the order they are going to be completed in. The example in the video demonstrating problem based learning showed a very different scenario. The student’s interest determined what the new unit of study was going to be. After they decided on a topic the students assisted with the research, went on relating field trips, and helped design all the props.

Technology is a very important part of lifelong learning. The Internet has so many different uses. For children embarking on a journey of learning technology can provide access to videos, research information, and visuals. In the video I thought it was wonderful watching the students use the Smart Boards. When the technology coach was talking to the student about the confusion of the letter b and d, she had the student drag the b on top of the d. It was very easy for the student to see the difference. The Smart Boards are also interactive. The students were able to create letters as well as manipulate the letters on the screen.

I think the main element of a project based unit is for students to first decide what they want to study. I think this is critical to ensure that students have a desire to complete the project instead of losing interest in the middle. Another element is to have varied activities to the students to do that foster learning.

Overall the video was great. I do not have a Smart Board, but I am already thinking of ways I can create an environment like the one at Auburn.