Tools to Support Synchronous and Asynchronous Project Based Learing

Tools to Support Synchronous Project Based Learing

Tool: Zoom

Tool: Google Slides

Tool: Nearpod

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Category

Category

Category

Unit

Unit

Unit

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

Tools to Support Asynchronous Project Based Learing

Tool: Learning Managment System (LMS) Canvas

Flipgrid

Tool: Edpuzzle

Tool: Slack

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Category

Category

Category

Category

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

Tools that Support Synchronous and Asynchronous Project Based Learing

Tool: Microsoft Teams

Tool: Padlet

Tool: Canva

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Project-Based Learning Support

Category

Category

Category

Unit

Unit

Unit

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

ISTE- Student Standard

Project-Based Learning Support

Google Slides supports Project-Based Learning (PBL) by allowing students to create custom presentations of their projects. It promotes differentiation by enabling students to customize templates, fonts, colors, and incorporate multimedia elements (images, videos, etc.) to present content in various ways. Additionally, Google Slides supports students who may need writing assistance through its speech-to-text feature, making it easier for them to contribute ideas.Google Slides also encourages student engagement and participation. Students can collaborate in real time, communicate through the built-in chat, and leave comments on specific parts of the presentation for their peers to review. These interactive features foster active involvement and collaboration, essential in PBL. Lastly, Google Slides' extensive features allow students to express their creativity and personalize their project presentations, allowing them to design a unique and meaningful final product.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.3 Knowledge Constructor The PBL tool supports the Knowledge Constructor standard because students conduct research and create an artifact that reflects their findings. Throughout the process, students actively construct their own knowledge about natural disasters, such as understanding what they are, their impact, and potential solutions for preparing for these events.

Project-Based Unit: Natural Disasters

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will work in groups to research different types of natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, tsunamis) and create an engaging, multimedia-rich presentation using Google Slides. Each group member will be assigned a specific task related to the disaster they are researching, and they will compile their findings into a final presentation that is informative and visually captivating.

Google Slides

Description: Google Slides is a free cloud-based tool for creating, editing, and sharing presentations. It allows access to resources across individuals sharing documents, making it easy for multiple users to communicate and collaborate on documents simultaneously.

Synchronous

Students can access Google Slides anywhere and anytime, but it can be an advantage to access it during synchronous interaction. In a synchronous setting, students can collaborate in real-time, working on the same document simultaneously. This allows for immediate clarification of misunderstandings and supports seamless collaboration as ideas are developed and refined. The real-time nature of Google Slides fosters communication and engagement, ensuring that students are actively involved in the learning process as they contribute to the presentation.

Zoom

Description: Zoom is a video conferencing tool that allows users to meet and collaborate with peers in real-time. It was initially designed to enhance communication in business and personal settings but became popular during COVID-19. However, Zoom is transforming education through its video conference platform (Hillary, 2023).

Project-Based Learning Support

Zoom can support Project-Based Learning (PBL) during synchronous meetings because it allows teachers to check in on students’ project progress in real time. Teachers can provide guidance, feedback, and support as needed. Additionally, students can have a schedule to meet with their group members, ensuring they have dedicated time for collaboration and communication.Zoom promotes differentiation by allowing students to communicate verbally and through the chat function, accommodating different communication preferences and learning styles. Students can also record video sessions, enabling peers to review the content and ideas shared during the meeting. This feature supports students needing more time to process information or who could not attend the live session. Zoom enhances engagement and participation as team members are required to come prepared to the scheduled meeting. This structure encourages accountability and active involvement in the collaborative process.

Synchronous

Zoom enhances student communication and collaboration during synchronous learning sessions by providing a designated time for students to meet with peers and for teachers to communicate directly with groups. Students can quickly share their screens to discuss ideas and projects while viewing the same content, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This feature fosters direct communication and seamless collaboration in real time.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.6 Creative Communicator Zoom supports the Creative Communicator standard by providing students with a platform to share and present their final projects. While students can choose the platforms or tools that best meet their project objectives, Zoom acts as a gateway for them to communicate their creative work to their peers and teachers in real time.

Project-Based Unit: Environmental Awareness Research

Unit Overview: IIn this unit, students will work in groups to create infographics on key environmental issues in their community. Topics will include conserving energy, reducing waste, promoting sustainable transportation, and water conservation. The goal is for students to research these issues thoroughly and present their findings in an informative and visually engaging way. Students will present their research findings on Zoom, allowing them to share work, receive feedback, and engage in discussion.

Nearpod

Description: Nearpod is an interactive presentation platform that educators use to enhance engagement and participation. Nearpod allows teachers to customize lessons and engagement opportunities by integrating multimedia, quizzes, polls, and collaborative activities to actively involve students in realtime.

Project-Based Learning Support

Nearpod can support PBL during synchronous lessons. Students can use the collaboration board to share thoughts and ideas with peers. Teachers can ask students to post facts, engaging images, graphs, or short videos to share a glimpse of the projects with peers. The ability to share findings in different ways helps differentiate student presentation formats. It supports engagement and participation because students actively learn and share with peers before their final product. This holds students accountable for progressing promptly through their projects.

Synchronous

Nearpod is ideal for synchronous learning in Project-Based Learning (PBL) because it fosters real-time collaboration, engagement, and active participation. In a PBL environment, students often work on group projects and need constant communication to refine their ideas and solutions. Nearpod allows for interactive, collaborative sessions where students can contribute and discuss ideas as they develop their projects. Through real-time feedback, students can see and reflect on their peers’ responses, enabling them to build upon or extend their ideas based on the input from others.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.6 Creative Communicator Nearpod supports the Creative Communicator standard because students decide how to share information with peers during synchronous sessions. Nearpod allows students to choose how to present a concise piece of information, giving them the freedom to engage their audience in a short amount of time. Students can use various formats, such as images, text, videos, or links to external resources, requiring them to select the most appropriate format to communicate their findings effectively.

Project-Based Unit: Invasive Species

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will research an invasive species and create a presentation using a platform of their choice. They will be provided with a rubric that outlines the key requirements of the assignment, including the species' origin, its impact on the food web, methods of prevention, and solutions for removing the invasive species. Through their research process, students will share interesting facts about their invasive species during Nearpod sessions.

Asynchronous

Canvas integrates well with asynchronous learning because teachers can create modules with PBL resources for students to access anytime and anywhere. Additionally, teachers can create video instructions that students can view at their own pace. Students can refer to the materials, rubrics, and deadlines to ensure they are on track with the projects.

Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas

Description: Canvas is a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that allows teachers to provide instructions, share resources, and collaborate with students from a single platform. It enhances organization by centralizing all course materials, assignments, and communications, making it easier for educators and students to stay on track.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.7 Global Collaborator Canva supports the Global Collaborator standard because students research and explore a local issue while working collaboratively to investigate and propose solutions. Canva offers clear instructions that guide students in focusing on their objectives, with the flexibility to refer back to directions as needed. This empowers students to select appropriate digital tools, collaborate with peers, and connect with local sources, helping them gather and evaluate the materials necessary for their project.

Project-Based Unit: Pollinators in California

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will research the role and impact of pollinators in California and create a presentation using a platform of their choice. They will be provided with a rubric that outlines key aspects of the assignment, including the importance of pollinators in ecosystems and agriculture, the consequences of pollinator decline, and the impact of human activities such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change. Students will also explore potential solutions for protecting and supporting pollinator populations in their community.

Project-Based Learning Support

Canva can support PBL, as students can access instructions, materials, rubrics, and deadlines and communicate with teachers and peers. Teachers can integrate external tools like Google Docs with hyperlinks to various resource options for students to pick through. This supports differentiation, as students can view different resources to support their projects. Additionally, teachers can access students' assignments to provide feedback throughout their work progress to encourage engagement and participation.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.7 Global Collaborator Slack supports the Global Collaborator standard by enabling students to research the same objective together. It allows students to communicate ideas and share resources with peers, promoting collaboration. Through the project, students can create channels for each topic they are researching, helping them organize ideas and work more efficiently.

Project-Based Learning Support

The Slack application can support PBL because it creates a safe and effective space for teammates to communicate and collaborate through channels. Teams can share ideas and resources and respond in different formats, such as direct messaging, audio, and video. These features support differentiation by giving students options to respond. Overall, Slack can enhance engagement and participation, as students have a central location to communicate with peers actively.

Asynchronous

Slack integrates well with asynchronous learning, allowing students to stay connected with peers throughout their PBL process. It will enable students to interact at times that suit them while providing notifications when messages or announcements are made. Students can also access resources and revisit conversations with peers. Additionally, teachers can leverage Slack to send announcements, share resources, and communicate directly with students.

Slack

Description: Slack is an application that facilitates easy communication and collaboration among participants in managing projects. Originally created for businesses, it has been adopted in education to enhance student and teacher interaction. The platform allows faster communication than emails or text messaging.

Project-Based Unit: Travel Guide

Unit Overview: IIn this unit, students will research their community to create a travel guide for tourists. They will explore their city's history, popular restaurants, places to visit, and other attractions. Additionally, students will brainstorm ideas for improving their city. The final product could be an infographic, presentation, pamphlet, blog, or other format to demonstrate their findings. Throughout the unit, students can use tools like Slack to collaborate with peers, share research, and organize their findings in topic-specific channels. Teachers can determine the resources to provide for students depending on the grade level.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.6 Creative Communicator Edpuzzle supports the Creative Communicator standard by enabling students to create engaging, interactive content to communicate their ideas effectively. As students design these videos, they must carefully consider how to structure their content to keep viewers engaged and ensure their ideas are communicated clearly and creatively.

Edpuzzle

Description: Edpuzzle is a digital platform that provides interactive video lessons with embedded questions. Educators can search through a library of published videos, create their own videos, or convert YouTube videos into interactive ones. Students can also use Edpuzzle to create and upload videos.

Project-Based Learning Support

Edpuzzle can be used for PBL, and students can present projects through an interactive video. Students can create questions throughout the video to engage their peers. Edpuzzle supports differentiation, as students can record themselves presenting their project with audio and visual or audio over a presentation. The opportunity to create videos can enhance engagement and participation as students develop a unique artifact that fosters student voice (Smart,2023).

Project-Based Unit: Pet Statistics

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will research pet statistics in the United States, focusing on the number of shelter dogs and cats and identifying ways to reduce the shelter animal population. They will explore how their community, city, and state can help address this issue. Using Edpuzzle, students will create an interactive video that presents their findings and proposed solutions. Viewers will engage with the content by responding to multiple-choice questions and a short answer question at the end, reflecting on the content they’ve learned. Ideal for Middle school and High school students.

Asynchronous

Edpuzzle integrates well with asynchronous learning, as students can create final projects and post them on Edpuzzle for peers to view at their own pace and time. Through PBl, students can create unique, interactive videos to present their findings, allowing peers to view and answer questions demonstrating active engagement with the presentation.

Asynchronous

Flipgrid integrates well with asynchronous learning, as students can record and post their videos at their own pace for peers to view and respond to. Through PBL, students can present their findings and reflections in a creative video format. Peers can engage with the content by leaving feedback or answering questions, fostering active participation even when working at different times.

Flipgrid

Description:Flipgrid is a video discussion response application. Teachers can post discussion questions for students to respond to within 10 seconds to 10 minutes. Teachers and students can use the tool on computers, phones, and tablets.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.6 Creative CommunicatorFlipgrid supports the Creative Communicator standard by enabling students to create videos demonstrating their findings and learning within a short time frame. This requires students to carefully select and organize information to craft an engaging video for their intended audience..

Project-Based Learning Support

Flipgrid is an excellent tool for project-based learning (PBL) because it provides students with a platform to share and reflect on their learning through video (Nieves, 2020). It encourages students to express and present their final products and celebrate their accomplishments. Additionally, Flipgrid supports differentiation with audio, video, and text options and enhances engagement with creative effects and filters. The platform also fosters collaboration by allowing students to provide feedback to their peers, promoting peer-to-peer learning and reflection.

Project-Based Unit: Food Around the World

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will research traditional foods from 9 different countries, focusing on each dish's cultural significance, ingredients, preparation methods, and history. Each group will be assigned one country to investigate and present their findings. After conducting their research, each group will create a Flipgrid video to share their results, including visuals of the foods, cooking methods, and the food's role in the country's culture. Students will engage with their peers' videos by providing feedback, reflecting on their learning, and making connections between cultures.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.1 Empowered Learner Microsoft Teams supports the Empowered Learner standard by providing a space for students to communicate and collaborate in setting learning goals. The platform is designed to help students share ideas and resources throughout their projects. Students can leverage the features of Microsoft Teams to effectively engage and participate in developing their final products.

Project-Based Learning Support

Microsoft Teams supports Project-Based Learning (PBL) by offering various features facilitating communication and resource access. The ability to create channels helps organize groups and materials, making it easy for students to access what they need. Additionally, teachers can pre-record or host live lectures to provide resources that support students throughout the project. This supports differentiation because students can meet in real time and access materials at their pace if needed. Also enables students to respond in ways that best suit them and access materials from one location, enhancing engagement and participation.

Canva

Description: Canvas is a platform that allows users to create unique products for their audience. It can be used individually or through collaboration, as sources can be shared among multiple editors.

Synchronous & Asynchronous

It can be used both synchronously and asynchronously. Students can meet via chat or video conferencing in synchronous settings to discuss project progress. Asynchronously, students can access resources and leave messages for peers to collaborate at their own pace.

Microsoft Teams

Description: Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that enables real-time interactions, video meetings, discussions, resource access, and participant feedback. Initially designed for business professionals, Microsoft Teams has been adopted in education to enhance communication and collaboration among teachers and students.

Project-Based Unit: Community Resource Project

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will apply engineering practices to design safe and sustainable bike trails in their community. They will research the current biking infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and use prior knowledge and acquired to determine the best locations for new bike trails. Using Microsoft Teams, students will collaborate, assign roles, and track their progress. Teachers will provide rubrics and resources to guide the project. Finally, students will present their proposed bike trail designs, demonstrating their understanding of engineering principles and sustainability.

Padlet

Description: A digital tool that enhances collaboration through the implication of multimedia communication.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.6 Creative Communicator Canva supports the Creative Communicator standard by providing templates that allow students to select tools, styles, formats, and digital media to support their projects. Canva features enable students to uniquely present their findings to their peers and create a compelling, visually engaging communication piece. Through its wide range of design options, students can tailor their work to convey their ideas effectively, fostering creativity and enhancing the impact of their presentations.

Project-Based Learning Support

Canva supports Project-Based Learning (PBL) by offering a variety of templates that allow students to create unique, multimedia-rich products. Its ability to incorporate videos, links, images, animations, and more makes Canva an ideal tool for diverse learning styles. The creative freedom Canva provides enhances student engagement and participation, allowing them to deliver final projects in infographics, presentations, posters, and more formats.

Project-Based Unit: Debate Build a Large Shopping Center

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will debate the proposal to build a large shopping center in their city. They will research the potential impacts of the project, considering both the positive and negative effects on the local community, economy, environment, and long-term sustainability. Students will explore economic benefits, job creation, environmental concerns (e.g., land use and natural habitat destruction), and local infrastructure and traffic changes. For their final product, students will use Canva to create a visually engaging presentation that outlines their arguments, research findings, and proposed solutions.

Synchronous & Asynchronous

Canva is ideal for synchronous and asynchronous learning environments, as projects can be easily shared, allowing all participants to edit. During synchronous meetings, students can collaborate in real-time, brainstorming, reviewing progress, and providing feedback to each other for improvements. Students can continue working on their projects independently in asynchronous settings, assigning roles and responsibilities. They can work at their own pace while still being able to view and contribute to their peers' progress.

Synchronous & Asynchronous

Padlet is ideal for synchronous and asynchronous learning environments in project-based learning, as it fosters interactive collaboration and offers differentiated response options. During synchronous sessions, students can share resources they’ve found while working on their projects, allowing real-time collaboration and discussion. Teachers can also encourage students to post updates during asynchronous sessions, enabling peers to view and comment on each other's work, providing valuable feedback, and enhancing ongoing learning.

ISTE Student Standard:

1.3 Knowledge Constructor Padlet supports the Knowledge Constructor standard as it provides a space for students to communicate their findings. The ability to post using various features on Padlet allows students to select appropriate media to share their work with peers. Using these features, students can create a Padlet that includes various artifacts, such as images, videos, and text, that are meaningful to their project.

Project-Based Learning Support

Padlet supports Project-Based Learning (PBL) by providing a platform for communication and collaboration among students and teachers. Its versatile features allow students to share ideas and resources through text, images, videos, and links. The built-in video tools give students easy access to communicate with peers, fostering dynamic collaboration. Padlet also allows for differentiated learning, as students can present their content in various formats, tailoring their approach to different learning styles. Additionally, Padlet enhances engagement and participation by enabling teachers and students to create interactive templates for organizing resources, materials, and responses.

Project-Based Unit:Famous Landmarks Around the World

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will research famous landmarks around the world and design their own landmark for their city. They will investigate the origins, locations, significance, and cultural impact of various landmarks, including who created them and how long it took to build them. Students will consider factors such as the purpose of the historic site, the community it serves, and how it contributes to the cultural and historical landscape. Students will use Padlet to share their research and ideas for their final product, incorporating visuals such as maps, pictures, and other relevant media. They will design their proposed landmark either on paper or using a digital platform of their choice, ensuring it reflects the needs of their community and creates a space for public engagement.