Tweeting, Facebooking, Instagramming, Videochatting! How Do We Turn Current Popular Technology into Learning Tools?
Abstract: To focus on how we can most effectively use all of the wonderful communication inventions of the 21st century, we must revisit good learning theory…back to basics. Within the structure of PBL, we can bring all of these together: the tools, the toys, and the systems of Instructional Technology, where the focus is NOT on the tools as toys, but on the tools that we can use as resources to help students become better self-directed learners. The student-directed approach in the PBL process facilitates opportunities for authentic research, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. By directing students to the appropriate technology tools, the teacher achieves that goal of student “Voice and Choice” in the classroom. Examples of technology tools that can be used in the PBL classroom for both teaching and learning will be shared with the audience.