EDIM 502 u05a1: Connecting PBL, Technology, and STEAM

    Project Based Learning is enhanced with the use of technology. Whether students are investigating a topic by researching, collecting data, or presenting their findings, technology can be used. The SAMR model, created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura in 2010, discusses how technology can be used to enhance learning in four different tiers: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition (Terada, 2020). When considered in conjunction with PBL, the SAMR model can take technology integration to the next level. Each level of SAMR involves taking technology and adapting it to different ways to support learning. The first two levels, substitution and augmentation, involve transformation - this level often includes taking traditional forms of learning and replacing them with digital ones. In terms of PBL, these two tiers may include gathering research on a Google Doc, rather than with pencil and paper or creating a digital portfolio of all of their work and resources. The higher levels, modification and redefinition, involve using technology as enhancement. For students working on PBL projects, this can include connecting with students all over the world via virtual pen pals or inviting professionals in the field to view and provide feedback on their work online. The SAMR model, when talking about PBL, is instrumental in students truly engaging with the work they are creating. Technology allows students to do and learn things that they may not have been able to in the past.

    Technology and PBL also work hand in hand with the STEAM fields. As discussed in the article Essential Connections of STEM, PBL, and Tech Integration, “

PBL provides an important process and pedagogy that allows for the integrated delivery of this content. Technology integration acts as the conductor, glue, and amplifier allowing for increased productivity and learning opportunities. Both STEM and PBL depend on a student need to know and inquiry, which allows for higher level learning. Technology integration provides tools to drive this process. (Gorman, 2014)

PBL is all about students thinking about and solving real-world problems. Technology can be used throughout the inquiry process of PBL, when students investigate, research, and create solutions to those problems. When considering the STEAM fields, science, technology, engineering, art, and math, PBL projects can hit on all of those areas. When students are going through the different activities of a PBL project, they often do work related to the STEAM fields without even knowing it. Science and math can be involved in data collecting, art involved in developing models, and engineering in creating physical representations of those models. In PBL, students also have a huge sense of choice when it comes to exactly how they want to carry out their project. Since there is really no right or wrong way to arrive at a solution to the problem, students have the ability to get creative in the process. 

    Overall, PBL, SAMR, and STEAM really work hand in hand. Students are able to use technology in all aspects of a PBL project, hitting all the different tiers of the SAMR model, while also utilizing the STEAM fields as they move from beginning to end of the project.


Resources

Gorman, M. (2014, September 15). Essential Connections of STEM, PBL, and Tech Integration… What Would Dewey Think? 21st Century Educational Technology and Learning. https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/essential-connections-of-stem-pbl-and-tech-integration-what-would-dewey-think/ 

 

Terada, Y. (2020, May 4). SAMR: A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration

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