Project Based Learning (PBL)
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a constructivist style of teaching, where there is a focus on "active, student directed learning” (NSW Department of Education, n.d., para. 4). In this artefact you can see how I’ve used Padlet as a way of storing questions and responses during a unit of work based on Australian Theatre. Students were required to answer and respond to their peers during our time spent reading the play Stolen, by Jane Harrison.
Click this link to go to my Padlet
or you can use this QR Code
For this unit to following the Gold Standard PBL model (Mergendowler, & Lamer, 2015, para. 5), it began with students watching a performance of King Hit, by David Milroy and Geoffrey Narkle. The question that was then explored, should non-indigenous actors be allowed to perform indigenous plays? The Padlet allows for a space for the students to voice their opinions and reflect on their ideas as we move through unit.
Padlet
Padlet is a free digital tool, like a bulletin board, which can be set up in a combination of ways. I prefer the grid style because it allows me to structure the questions or conversations we are having so that they are easy to read. One of the benefits of Padlet is that you can upload a wide range of modes, this means that students can use their preferred mode of communication to contribute (Gillispie, 2013, pp. 200-201). This will allow you to differentiate the task for non-verbal learners as they could upload an image-based response instead.
Accessibility and Privacy
Although access to Padlet is free there is a premium account with costs from $12 USD per month for the teacher or school (Padlet, n.d. -a, para. 3). The Premium account, removes the social aspects from Padlet, meaning you cannot share your Padlet to Facebook to create a more safe and controlled environment. The restrictive nature of the premium account becomes an institutional barrier to the integration of technology in the classroom (Hew & Bush, 2007, pp. 228-229). To overcome these barriers a holistic approach and a clear plan for technology integration and teaching is required (Hew & Bush, 2007, p. 233).
References
Gillispie, M. (2013). From notepad to ipad : using apps and web tools to engage a new generation of students. New York: Routledge. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au
Hew, K. F., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational technology research and development, 55(3), 223-252.
Mergendoller, J. R., & Lamer, J. (2015, May 11). Why we changed our model of the “8 Essential Elements of PBL” [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/blog/why_we_changed_our_model_of_the_8_essential_elements_of_pbl
NSW Department of Education. (n.d.). Learning for the Future. Retrieved from https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-for-the-future/future-focused-learning-and-teaching/project-based-learning-resource-guide/introducing-project-based-learning
Padlet. (n.d.-a). Padlet Backpack. Retrieved from https://padlet.com/premium/backpack/pricing
Padlet. (n.d.-b). Discussion on Stolen. Retrieved from https://padlet.com/sian_emma/Australiantheatre
Padlet. (2017, February 2). Introduction to Padlet [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3P5QySmLeU