McGuffey Tech Talk
McGuffey High School and Middle School Technology News
JANUARY 2013
Tech Tip of the Month: Project Based Learning (PBL)
In Project Based Learning, students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some degree of student "voice and choice", rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century Skills, and create high-quality, authentic products and presentations. (bie.org) While the use of technology is not essential to PBL, there are many tech tools available that will help with research, project creation, organization, and presentation. Please check out the video below, go to bie.org or visit the PBL edmodo page for more information and resources. You can also see your tech leader for ideas on programs to use, or ask your colleagues to share some best practices relating to PBL.
Project Based Learning: Explained.
HELPFUL WEB TOOLS: A comprehensive list of helpful Web 2.0 tools!
What are Web 2.0 tools? The term Web 2.0 was coined to describe web sites that use technology beyond the static pages of earlier web sites. It refers to web applications that allow users to interact with the site and collaborate with others instead of being limited to passive viewing of content. There are literally thousands of Web 2.0 tools available to teachers today. Students and teachers can use these tools to make presentations, bibliographies, timelines, flashcards, review games, and more! Other tools will let users edit pictures and videos, create and take tests and quizzes, and practice math problems. The possibilities are endless. Many of these tools can be used in a Project Based Learning curriculum.
Below is a blog site dedicated to providing a collection of useful Web 2.0 tools for teachers. There are also video tutorials available for some of these sites.
Education in the Cloud with Web 2.0 tools
Mr. Calvert
High School Technology Leader
Let me know if I can assist you in any way with troubleshooting or new ideas for your classroom.
Email: calvertm@mcguffey.k12.pa.us
Phone: 4202
Mrs. Engler
Middle School Technology Leader
Need a hand with a computer issue? Want to learn some great ways to enhance your students' learning using technology? Give me a call or stop by and see me!
Email: englert@mcguffey.k12.pa.us
Phone: 4261