Analyzing a Project to Identify the Indicators of Engaged Learning and Best Use of Technology:

Discussion Plan

Goals:

In this activity we are going to analyze several model projects. Our goals for the participants are as follows:

  1. The participants will view models of the end products for the course to see what is expected of them.
  2. The participants will analyze the major components of the project-student page, presentation page, and scenario to become aware of what they are to complete.
  3. The participants will identify the indicators of engaged learning in the model projects.
  4. The participants will analyze how the hook drives the task.
  5. The participants will view examples of best use of technology.

Product:

Teams of participants will analyze sample projects and complete the Project Rubric (or selected portions) and submit one copy to the facilitator.

Process/Strategies:

Have the participants print out a copy of the project rubric to have on hand before they come to class.

Select several projects ahead of time that you feel would be good examples of engaged learning and best use of technology.

It is important to realize as you facilitate participants looking at projects that not every project will have all the indicators of engaged learning. Preview the projects you select to share with the participants and know ahead of time where they excel. Look for projects with excellent hooks, authentic tasks, ongoing assessment, and demonstrate best use of technology. Be careful to avoid projects that appear to be engaged learning, but do not include student-directed learning.

Have participants open their browser window while they are analyzing the project during the group discussion. It is a good idea to talk about each component of the project separately. Ask the participants to analyze the teacher's role, the student's role, the vision of learning, tasks, instructional model, assessment, learning context and grouping. Next analyze the indicators of best use of technology. Have them mark the Project rubric as they work through the various parts of the project.

Now it is time for independent practice. Ask the team to select another online project and use the rubric to assess the project. E-mail one copy of the team's rubric to your facilitator.

 

Suggested Opening Prompt:

 Facilitator: " Tonight we are going to look at two engaged learning projects for two reasons. First, we want to show you a finished engaged learning project. Second, we want to see how the project has incorporated the elements of engaged learning and best technology.

The first project we will do together using the Project Rubric as our assessment guide for the projects. The project we will be discussing. (Type in the URL for the project you wish to discuss.) Let me know when you get to the project up on your browser window.

Where shall we start? (Let them tell you which component they would like to start with and how they will complete the rubric as you analyze together.)

After completing the project together, ask the team to find another project that interests them and complete a rubric for that project. E-mail the completed rubric to your facilitator.

If you have any questions on the Project Rubric or the project itself feel free to ask me.

Suggested Prompts to Stimulate the Discussion:

  1. What is the teacher doing?
  2. What is the teacher's role?
  3. How has the teacher structured the learning?
  4. Describe the task. How will you assess the task?
  5. How does the teacher facilitate learning?
  6. What are the students doing?
  7. What is the student's role?
  8. How does the student's role differ from the traditional classroom?
  9. Who directs the learning in this project?
  10. What modifications would you make to implement this project in your classroom?
  11. How does technology support the learning?
  12. Is the technology a critical component of this project?
  13. Could the project be done as effectively without the use of the Internet?
  14. What is the type of Internet communication the students are using during this project?
    Are they sharing information with other classes or experts?
  15. Is the communication one-way or two-way? (Are they giving as well as sharing
    information?)
    Is collaboration taking place?
    Is there an opportunity to publish student work?
    Are students taking advantage of recent of frequently updated information on the
    Internet?
  16. Are there aspects of this project that you find puzzling?
  17. How does the hook engage the learner?

Resources:

  1. Project Introduction
  2. Investigating Engaged Learning
  3. Project Design Guide

Prediscussion E-mail Message to Participants:

Hi Everyone,

This week our discussion will focus on analyzing the indicators of engaged learning and best use of technology in several projects. Be sure to have read Plugging In before the discussion so that you will understand what each indicator "looks like" in a project.

For this chat you will need to have your browser window open during our discussion so that you can view the project models. We will analyze one project together. Then your team will select a different project and analyze it using the Project Rubric. E-mail the results of your assessment to your facilitator after the chat.

Please be sure to print out a copy of the Project Rubric for your use during the chat.

Http://www-ed.fnal.gov/lincon/el_project_rubric.shtml

Be sure to check the discussion schedule to see which channel you will be meeting on this week. If you have any questions e-mail your facilitator.

See you soon.

Sign your name here.