Project Based Learning - The EdVisions Way
What is a project and what are some examples?
Students choose topics to study as well as a way to present evidence of their learning. A student could choose to study hip hop music and perform and write an original song, research the rainforest and make an informative website, or read about photography techniques and create a photo blog. We've seen students build a motorcycle, make Flash animation, construct a recording studio, design websites, create a photography portfolio, study cosmetology, and learn Japanese through their projects.
If your project is the family vacation that's coming up... approve the project with your advisor and have a good time. You'll even be able to meet with your class from the hotel.
Where do students get their information?
Students complete these projects with support from staff, community experts, reliable websites, and their peers. Though we are an online school, we encourage students to spend plenty of time away from their computers, being active in their communities and participating in hands-on learning. One example of this is the physical fitness project we encourage all students to have. Students can choose their own activities--from walking to tae kwon do to swimming with a local sports team.
How do students show what they’ve learned in a project?
They may use a PowerPoint presentation, a poster board, make a model, perform a piece of music, create a blog… there are any number of ways to show what they’ve learned. The team will ask them questions about what they have learned and how they liked it. Students will show the team a reflection about their project and a bibliography of resources used. They must log the time spent doing the project (students log their time each day so it’s easy to summarize their time). Then the team will give them credit.
What is a project credit?
A project credit is the equivalent of about 100 hours of work on a given project.
When do students present their projects?
We ask all students to present a project they are particularly proud of online, at school field trips, or at presentation nights at least one-two times a year. It's a great time for the student to be the expert and have a time to shine with what they've learned, and helps students practice public-speaking and presentation skills.
