Education Technology

I'm changing some things about my physics class now (even with only a few weeks left) and applying next year. I already do a large number of projects with the class, but I want to add these.

I'm changing the type of homework students will be getting. While they will still be getting some project work and physics problems for homework, they will also be getting a new type of homework that I think is much better and relates to them more. Their assignment each week will be to find something at home or something that they are interested in and see what physics concepts apply to it and how. They will then share it with the rest of the class. I think this will help them see why physics is important and make the class more relevant to them.

I'm also bringing back a project that I haven't done in a while: "How Does it Work". Students will pick a technology, product, sport, etc. and do a project explaining how it works and what the physics and science behind it are. They can present it as a PowerPoint, Prezi, web page, video, animation, poster, etc. It was very popular and the students learned a lot from it and I'm really not sure why I haven't used it lately.

These projects allow students to investigate things that are important or relevant to them, as well as providing different ways for them to show their understanding.

I'm always evaluating my class and the learning activities that are going on and reflected on what works and what doesn't. I think these two things will help make the class more interesting and relevant to the students and help them learn the concepts even better.



Related:

Making School Relevant for Students

10 Important Skills Students Need for the Future

Project Based Learning

Science of Everyday Life

Create a Personal Learning Network

Should we force students to learn? or How can we change schools to engage students?

Differentiating with Web 2.0 Technologies

Building Big is a great site from PBS that has lesson plans, projects, labs, and activities for teachers to use in their classrooms. The topics are on buildings and structures, including Bridges, Domes, Skyscrapers, Dams and Tunnels. It's based on the PBS television series Building Big.

There are interactive labs, educator's guides, challenges, data on the world's structures, and information about engineering and engineers.

The labs are flash-based interactive activities that let students explore forces, materials, loads, and shapes and get information about each topic.



The activities are fun and educational and the resources can be scaffolded for any level.



Related:

STEM Resources for Educators

Project Based Learning resources for Educators

I just found a new publication on project based learning, Work That Matters: The Teacher’s Guide to Project-based Learning, produced in partnership with San Diego’s High Tech High.

This is available as a free PDF download and has great tips, ideas, resources, and information for helping teachers and schools implement project based learning in their schools and classrooms. There is step-by-step advice on planning, organizing and managing projects, as well as how to assess them.

You can also request a hard copy by emailing Alec Patton here.


Related:

Project Based Learning Resources for Educators

People ask me "how do you know how to do that?" or "how did you find that?' I explore.  I'm one of those people who just likes to figure things out. Probably why I became an engineer and physics teacher.

I explore things and figure them out on my own. I read the "help" files for apps, software and web apps. I go Google searches for information and forums. I figure it out. No one shows me. I look for books, websites, magazines and read about things.

This is how I find resources. I go exploring and then I figure out how to use it or look for resources on how to use it. I tinker. I take things apart. I play with them. I try different things. I don't like to sit and be lectured, I want to explore something.

Now, this sometimes leads to issues (computer crashes, locking up apps, etc.), but I learn more than if I followed a manual or instruction book. Sometimes I even find features and uses that aren't in the books.

This is how I want my students to learn. Why? Because it sticks with them longer. When you explore and learn on your own, you tend to retain that knowledge or skill much longer.  I want them to explore and find answers and solutions on their own. I give them support and advice, but I don't give them the answer. This also teaches them how to learn on their own. They need to be able to figure things out on their own and find resources to help them.


How about you? How do you learn new things?



Related:

10 Important Skills Students need for the Future10 Tech Skills Every Student Should Have

Edutopia, the George Lucas Educational Foundation, is an excellent resource for educators. Their site has a huge variety of resources, tips, and research on education and is accessible for free. They are a big proponent of Project Based Learning (PBL) and also have a lot of resources on best practices in education. Free Classroom Guides and Downloads for 2011 from Edutopia

More free classroom guides for educators from Edutopia

Project Based Learning Resources for Educators

WPI Plan - a great educational model for all schools

10 Important Skills Students need for the Future

"Lehr und Kunst" or "Theory and Practice." - what we strive for in education