PRESENTATI ON BY:

JUDY WALTERS
UMEKA NAI DOO
NEVI N ELGAZZAR

Project Based Learning in Blended
Higher Education Environment

Outline
Blended learning

Project-based learning

Using tech tools

Application activity


Blended Learning


Blended learning is an instructional design where face to face and online (mediated)
learning are thoughtfully fused in educationally meaningful ways.

(Garrison and Vaughan, 2008 as cited in Richey, 2013)

- fast trend one to two years (NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher Ed Edition)
- involves multiple technological tools
- 30% to 70 % of instruction is delivered online (Sloan Consortium)



Distinguishing Features

Integrates face to face and online to optimize learning

Integrates synchronous and asynchronous communication

Incorporates written, verbal and other communication

Encourages internal/reflective and external/collaborative learning

Allows learners to work on real world issues

(Garrison, 2011; Richey, 2013)

Benefits of Blended Learning in HE
Fluid and flexible. Dynamic and engaging.
Extends across time and space.
More freedom. More authentic learning
Richer collaboration. Better interaction.
Encourages intellectual risk taking and exploration.
Builds trust and a sense of community.
Supports and sustains communities of inquires.
Develops 21th century competencies.
(leadership, team work, critical and creative thinking)
Transformative potential
Improved learner satisfaction, persistence and completion.

(Garrison, 2011; Richey, 2013)

Challenges of Blended Learning in HE
Complex, new
Group dynamics (cultural/ learning style differences)
More prep time, less teaching time, more scaffolding
Technological uncertainty
Institutional support (technology, admin, leadership)
(Zorko, 2007)


Blended learning seen as way to reduce educational costs

(Garrison, 2011)

Project-Based Learning


Project based learning is a comprehensive and dynamic instructional approach in
which students (through exploration, collaboration, and the use of cognitive tools)
attempt to answer a driving question based on real world problems so that knowledge
can be shared and distributed among the members of the learning community.

(Blumenfeld, et al. , 1991; Bransford & Stein, 1993, as cited in Richly, 2013)
Characteristics of Project-Based Learning
Based on situated and constructive learning theories
Engages students in real world projects to deepen their understanding
Is collaborative and complex
Is facilitated and assessed by instructor
Allows for students autonomy and decision making






Strengths & Challenges
Requires commitment (teachers and
students)
Requires planning and preparation
Requires ongoing, appropriate and
careful evaluation
Requires good understanding of the
complexity of the task
Students and teachers must be
comfortable with uncertainty

High learner motivation
Students are responsible for their
learning
Engagement with real topics
Drawn from curriculum
Learning-centered approach
Needs to support cognitive learning
Requires strong instructor's knowledge
and skills.

Framework for Project-Based Learning
Students start with a driving question or complex problem or challenge.
Students explore question or problem through authentic situated inquiry.
Students and teacher collaborate to find solutions.
Students are scaffolded by learning technologies.
Students create artifact addressing driving questions, problem or challenge.

(Krajcik & Blumenfeld, 2006)
Tools to Support a Blended Approach to PBL
Steps
Tools
discussion forum
wiki/blog
Google docs
email
PPT and Prezi

driving question, problem
explore question or problem
collaborate to find solutions
scaffolding
create artifact

Example
For second year nutrition students

Your Assignment

Plan meals for a 7 day week (Sunday to Saturday). You must account for 3
meals per day, 21 meals for the week. You will have a limited amount of money
and the goal is to maintain a balanced diet while including variety. Use Apps to
collect images, calculate nutritional values, pricing and recipes.

Activity
Imagine yourselves working in a blended learning environment and using project-
based learning.
What tools and technologies might you suggest your learners use?
Post your groups ideas on lino (one idea per post it)
http://linoit.com/users/nevine/canvases/Project-Based%20Learning

References
Garrison, R. (2011). E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and Practice. New
York: Routledge.

Friesen, S. (2013). Inquiry Based Learning. In R.C. Richey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Terminology for
Educational and Communications and Technology. New York, NY: Springer.

Gutierrez, I. (2013). Project Based Learning in R. C. Richey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Terminology for
Educational Communications and Technology. pp. 325-326. New York, NY: Springer.

Jacobsen, M. (2013). Web 2.0 in R. C. Richey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Terminology for Educational
Communications and Technology. p 256. New York, NY: Springer.

Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. (2014). NMC Horizon Report: 2014
Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Krajcik, J and Blemenfeld C. (2006). Project Based Learning in Sawyer, R.K. (Ed.) The Cambridge
handbook of the learning sciences. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.