Here are several suggestions when moving toward a technology rich PBL environment:
1. Stop thinking about the technology as a way to replace the things you previously did in the classroom, only faster. Many teachers get the technology in their hands and use it to have students Google things, instead of going to the library or they create PPTs instead of writing notes on the board. While computers are great for research purposes and online databases are fabulous, it goes beyond that. Think of it in terms of how to make connections to the outside world. How can your students’ work be showcased? How can your students connect to their peers nationally and internationally? How can your students connect to professionals? How can your students use the technology to collaborate and create? How can your students use the technology to enhance their critical thinking?
I would also suggest that you take a look at HEAT http://loticonnection.com/HEATframework.html to give yourself a checklist for created PBL lessons with an infusion of technology.
2. In today’s world of Web 2.0 there are many free options that are out there for educational applications. http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/ is a great place to start. I would also encourage you to look at http://www.edmodo.com—- That site allows for class management, discussion boards, polling, tagging of sites, notes to post to your students, etc. It is free and is an education site, so there is no need to worry about outside entities getting in.
3. You really need to have a technology/network administrator that understands educational needs. The belief is that if you teach the students how to use the technology appropriately and responsibly, they will use it as such. The goal is to have the students so involved and engaged in the PBL unit, that they will not have the time nor the desire to be off-task. To that end, it is also imperative to set up the rules from the start as to the expectations of the students while using the technology. Additionally, many of the Web 2.0 tools are fashioned in such a way that you, as the owner of a wiki, document, or blogging tool, can find the history of any changes made.
4. You really need to have videoconferencing equipment. The state of Pennsylvania gave every district the equipment three years ago and it has opened up doors for collaboration. There are many sites such as Twice (http://www.twice.cc/projects.html) that give options for upcoming videoconferences or you could also create your own. Either way, it is a fabulous resource in creating an authentic PBL unit.
5. Most importantly, you have to make sure your teachers are trained properly. However, I live by the motto that what I don’t know about technology, my students can easily figure out and then show me! Teachers need to understand that they are no longer the “be all end all” when it comes to knowledge. It is okay to have students use a program with which the teacher is unfamiliar. In fact, I like to start out my class by putting students in groups to look at sections of the cooltoolsforschools site. They then present to the class on which tool they think is the best for polling, for presenting, etc. However, the training of the teachers is still imperative. Learning when to use the appropriate tool is important (do I have the students create a wiki or a blog or a podcast?) It is also important for teachers to learn how to immerse their PBL units in technology and not just use the technology for the sake of using the technology. This is probably one of the hardest things to do and takes the longest - especially for more traditional teachers.
That being said, it would be great if all districts were able to go 1:1 and if you have the resources, I would encourage you to do so! The reality, unfortunately, is that not every district has that ability at the present time. Thus, I would suggest giving several teachers the ability to have a cart of laptops at their disposal for all classes. Have these teachers lead the way for training and implementing the technology in the classroom. Then, as resources become available, add additional computers. Mobile carts that can be signed out are also a starting point. Before you know it, the demand will be greater than the supply and you will find a willingness on the part of the teachers to integrate the technology!
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
