University of the Cordilleras

College of Teacher Education

First Trimester, AY 2023 2024
Technology for Teaching and Learning 2
Instructor: Dr. Mary Geraldine B. Gunaban

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
 A teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to
investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.
 This approach engages students in solving real-world problems through hands-on design and
development. It nurtures creative problem-solving in small teams, guiding students through problem
identification, development, prototyping, and solution refinement. Projects vary in size and scope,
sometimes spanning weeks or a single class period. PBL thrives on interdisciplinary work, technology
use for efficient communication and realization, and addressing real-world challenges. Even simple
projects foster valuable connections across subjects and practical skills for students.

EXAMPLES OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

One example of project-based learning is making the students construct a blog or a website to share
research on a current issue. The process of which is first to:
1. Let students brainstorm a list of current issues they are interested in and choose one to focus on. The
issue should be something that’s complex and has no easy answers.
2. Let them gather information from a variety of sources, including news articles, scholarly articles, and
government reports. They should also interview experts on the issue if they are able
3. The students should develop a thesis statement that expresses their own perspectives on the issue and
identify each perspective's strengths and weaknesses.
4. They are now going to write a blog or website in a clear and concise style. They should use evidence
from their research to support their claims.
*Editing and proofreading are also a must, if there are problems that the students face, the
teacher would be on the side to guide them in their project.
5. Publish their blog/website using a variety of platforms, such as WordPress, Blogger, or Wix.
Another example is incorporating a project-based approach to research in learning involving guiding
students through a structured process that fosters exploration, inquiry, and application of knowledge. The
step-by-step guide begins with selecting a relevant and engaging topic, encouraging students to express
their interests, and brainstorming potential project themes. The formulation of open-ended driving
questions stimulated curiosity and necessitated critical thinking throughout the research process. A well-
organized research plan is crucial for efficient progress, emphasizing key milestones and deadlines.
Students were introduced to various research methods, including source evaluation and data analysis,
emphasizing the use of diverse and credible sources. The synthesis and organization of the gathered
information, coupled with drafting and revising, contribute to the development of coherent research
findings. Technology integration supports the research process, whereas presentation development
focuses on effective communication. Peer review sessions and final presentations encourage collaboration
and communication skills. A reflection session concluded the project, allowing students to assess the entire
 research process, discuss challenges, and highlight acquired skills. Assessment criteria consider both
content and process, ensuring a comprehensive and meaningful research experience that cultivates critical
thinking and collaborative skills.

TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS TO BE USED IN PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Google WorkSpace
Microsoft Teams
Padlet Kahoot
Prezi
Powerpoint
Google Classroom
WPS Google Docs

Canva

According to Anthony Russo, a Director of Fabrication and Design at the Gregory School. There are many
online collaboration tools available for students and teachers, each with its own features, functions, and
benefits. Some of the most popular and widely used online collaboration tools are Google Workspace,
Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Padlet, and Kahoot. These tools can facilitate various types of online collaboration,
such as synchronous and asynchronous communication, document sharing and editing, video conferencing
and presentation, brainstorming and ideation, and gamification and assessment.
Susan Hesemeier a Sessional Faculty at MacEwan University; Writer and Communications Consultant. It
wasn’t very long ago that the go-to presentation software was always PowerPoint. But there have been a few
other options for a while now, with Prezi entering the stage almost a decade ago, and many people (especially
students) now using Google Slides to collaborate on presentations. So, which one should you choose the next
time your company asks you to do a presentation or slide show? As each of these platforms has competed for
users over the years, in some ways they have become more alike rather than trying to appeal to a separate
niche market. Google Slides has features similar to PowerPoint but with updated templates that are visually
like a blend between Prezi and PowerPoint; Microsoft has developed more collaborative features for
PowerPoint (and most of its Office programs); and Prezi has developed more sophisticated, traditional-style
templates, and has also evolved quite a community around its platform.
 Canva, a multimedia creation tool enables students to create multimedia content for their projects.
These tools offer features for designing graphics, editing videos, creating animations, and producing
professional-looking presentations.
The teacher can also use the learning management system (LMS) such as e-learning and Google
Classroom for general classroom instruction. Google Classroom was utilized to provide any information posted
related to class activities and to facilitate students' discussion or feedback, especially during the asynchronous
meeting. For synchronous meetings, Google Meet was employed for regular video conferencing. A virtual
whiteboard, such as OneNote, was helpful and more effective for sharing or explaining complex concepts to
students during video conferences. Web-based discussion tools such as Padlet were also used for example to
accommodate students’ responses and engagement during discussions. Microsoft PowerPoint was utilized by
the teacher to present the materials. This was by Bell (2010), besides transferring instructions to students by
demonstrating creative uses of numerous tools and applications, it was also essential to consider their
appropriate uses.
Some information and communication technology tools or applications aided students in accessing
learning resources and supporting inquiry activities. These technologies act as library resources or digital
libraries (Huang et al., 2019) to provide information and knowledge related to the topic throughout the
process. The teacher utilized Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as E-learning and Google Classroom to
upload learning resources such as an e-book or an e-module, as well as resources in the form of links. As for
accessing the electronic materials, students utilized software such as Acrobat Reader or WPS Office from their
computers or smartphones. Web browsers such as Google Chrome were the most popular search engine
among students. Furthermore, YouTube also helped provide audio-visual resources. To develop the project,
Google Docs was used as the primary tool to provide a platform for students that enables them to work
collaboratively in groups on a single text and allows many writers on a single document.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

Advantages:
 Real-world Application: PBL provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-
world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and relevance of the subject matter.
 Critical Thinking: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students actively engage in
solving complex problems within the context of the project.
 Collaboration: PBL promotes teamwork and collaboration, allowing students to work together to
achieve common goals, simulating real-world work environments.
 Creativity: Students often have the freedom to choose how they approach a project, fostering
creativity and allowing for diverse solutions to problems.
 Motivation: PBL can increase student motivation as it often involves self-directed learning and allows
for personalized exploration of topics that interest them.
 Enhanced professionalism and collaboration on the part of teachers
 Increased attendance, self-reliance, and improved attitudes towards learning on the part of students
 Student-centered learning
 Versatility for education
Disadvantages:
 One student did hard on the group work
 The grading process or assessment can become lengthy and time-consuming.
  In the traditional classroom setting disagreements and interactions may not take place because
students are receivers of knowledge.
 Students are stymied by the challenge, become frustrated, and abandon the project altogether. This
can cause students to become cold toward the teacher and project-based learning as a whole.
 Written works may contain many mistakes
 The project needs a lot of extra preparation by the teacher
 Some students were often absent
 There was much noise in the class
 The project cost much time and patience as well as high professionalism from the teacher.
 A disadvantage of project-based learning is that it can be time-consuming, potentially leading to a lack
of coverage of a broader range of topics within a limited timeframe.
 Another disadvantage of project-based learning is that it may be challenging to assess individual
contributions accurately, potentially leading to uneven grading when group projects are involved.
Additionally, students might face difficulties in managing their time effectively and may struggle with
the collaborative aspects of group work, impacting the overall learning experience.

References:
What is PBL? (n.d.) PBLWorks.https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Project-Based Learning: Teaching Guide | Center for Teaching & Learning. (2001, November 15). © 2023
Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/ctl/guides/project-based-lerning/
What are some of the benefits and challenges of online collaboration for students and teachers?
(linkedin.com)
PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Prezi: Which One Should You Choose? | LinkedIn
SHMIC: Journal of English for Academic ISSN:2356-2404 Vol 10, No 1, February 2023 The Implementation of
Digital Technology in Online Project-Based Learning during Pandemic: EFL Students’ Perspectives
https://journal.uir.ac.id/index.php/jshmic
Aksela, M.(2019) Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Practise: Active Teachers'Views of Its' Advantages And
Challenges