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On Topic and On Trend: Digital Tools for Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning Meets EdTech

Many long-standing education topics are colliding with technology. We see articles popping up frequently (like ISTE's 2021 piece, Hottest Topics in EdTech) where learning methods that may have seemed impossible in a COVID and digital-first environment are instead being expanded and augmented by technology and digital tools.

One such educational strategy is Project-Based Learning, or PBL. The Buck Institute for Education provides this formal definition of PBL: "Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.

Put simply, PBL is an active, collaborative, and inquiry-based learning method that results in tangible knowledge products. And when PBL incorporates digital tools and technology, t's a strategy that aligns well with digital pedagogy.

A Closer Look at PBL

Gold Standard PBL. Seven Essential Project Design Elements. Wheel illustration has icons for each of the elements, as described in the text accompanying this image. At center of wheel is Learning Goals – Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills.
Image Source: Link
When PBL is used in the classroom, students work collaboratively on a project to solve real-world problems or find answers for complex questions. Over a period of time, student groups work through their challenge, with reflection and critique of the process along the way, and develop a public product or presentation to share with others.

How is this different than just assigning a project?

In short, the difference between a project and project-based learning is scope. In PBL, the project is the "meat" of the course, not simply an assignment. 

The Buck Institute's Gold Standard framework for PBL provides seven elements that are essential for project design. PBL should always:

  1. Begin with a problem or question that is appropriately challenging, complex, and has real-world meaning
  2. Provide opportunities for sustained inquiry, engaging students in rigorous development of questions, discovery of information, and application of research to answer questions
  3. Be authentic with grounding in real-world problems, tasks, tools, and impact
  4. Steward student voice and choice by providing opportunities for decision-making in the process and creation of the project
  5. Incorporate reflection for both students and teachers at each step of the process
  6. Include critique and revision with peer feedback and time to incorporate and apply it
  7. Culminate in a public product through which students make their project accessible by sharing and presenting it in a tangible format

The Buck Institute provides a huge array of resources for getting started with PBL, including a project design rubric and project-based teaching practices that can help you dive deeper.

Selecting Digital Tools for PBL

Strategies listed in a four x four square - totaling 16 squares. The strategies are: Active Learning, Inductive Learning, Backward Design, Experiential Activities, Haptic Engagement, Retrieval Practice, Metacognition & Problem-Solving Strategies, Just-in-Time Teaching, Guided Discovery, Coached Ideation, Visualizing Systems Thinking, Case-Study Method, Shared Solutions/Send-A-Problem, Learning Artifacts & Portfolios, Cooperative & Team-Based Learning, Role-Playing & Evaluation
Image Source: Link
If you've been in EdTech or Digital Pedagogy for a while, you are probably already honing your technology sniff test - and you know that I'm not just talking about the tech itself. We always start with learning objectives and outcomes and timelines, and then ask ourselves the technology questions:
  • What technology do I need to guide this course? 
  • What technology will my students need to participate in the project? 
  • What technology training and support will be required?

There are a multitude of instructional strategies for PBL that go along with these questions and can help inform technology considerations. The graphic embedded here comes from an Iowa State University's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning webpage describing 16 PBL learning strategies - each of which can stand alone or can be combined within a course.

There is an abundance of digital tools available to us, especially with the digital boom driven by remote learning during the pandemic. The trick is to go with what we know to make sure the tools we recommend add value, are accessible to us and our students, and contribute to learning within and beyond the classroom.

Tool Spotlight: Miro

To demonstrate how you can assess a digital tool for PBL, I've created the following short video walking through the digital whiteboarding tool, Miro. I first started using Miro for collaboration and visualization in my pre-digital pedagogy career as a marketing director, and was excited to learn of its education plan geared towards classrooms at the K-12 and university level. 


Get Inspired

Interested in exploring Miro further and finding additional opportunities to introduce PBL in your classroom? Below I've listed just a few resources to get started with, and you can find even more on PBL in my Wakelet collection. 

All of these tools are incredible resources when thoughtfully implemented, however, we must not forget the golden rule of EdTech: never use technology for technology's sake. PBL is just one of many ways we can engage our students and develop valuable and transformative learning experiences for today's changing world. What are some of your favorite strategies?

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