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Using Learning Suite For Project Based Learning

The document discusses how teachers can use Microsoft Learning Suite, a collection of free digital tools, to facilitate project-based learning. It provides an example of a teacher, Carole, who uses Learning Suite tools like Bing, Mathematics 4.0, SkyDrive, AutoCollage, PowerPoint, Songsmith and Movie Maker to support students through the different stages of a project - research, collaboration, creation and presentation. Learning Suite allows students to develop skills like critical thinking, collaboration, organization and presentation in a digital environment as they work on authentic projects.

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Jimmy Zumba
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
80 views

Using Learning Suite For Project Based Learning

The document discusses how teachers can use Microsoft Learning Suite, a collection of free digital tools, to facilitate project-based learning. It provides an example of a teacher, Carole, who uses Learning Suite tools like Bing, Mathematics 4.0, SkyDrive, AutoCollage, PowerPoint, Songsmith and Movie Maker to support students through the different stages of a project - research, collaboration, creation and presentation. Learning Suite allows students to develop skills like critical thinking, collaboration, organization and presentation in a digital environment as they work on authentic projects.

Uploaded by

Jimmy Zumba
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Learning Suite for Project Based Learning

It is becoming increasingly problematic for employers that students are leaving school without the necessary skills to gain employment. Key skills that are missing tend to be problem solving, teamwork, innovation, adaptability and critical thinking. A solution could be less teaching from the front and more project based or inquiry based learning. Learning Suite by Microsoft is a collection of free resources that can help teachers make this change.
In this tutorial you will: 1) Learn about the key features of project based learning. 2) Install Learning Suite by Microsoft. 3) Use Learning Suite as a digital toolkit.

Tools: Learning Suite by Microsoft ICT Skill Level Required:

Educator Scenario
Carole has been teaching for 15 years and is convinced that student ownership of learning is critically important. Students can develop key skills by giving them a certain amount of freedom in the choice of content, goals, method and tools. Carole organizes project work and at all stages she tries to engage students by giving them a challenge. In Caroles class students are not passive consumers of knowledge but active producers of it.

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1.

When Carole designs a project based learning activity she considers 4 components: a) RESEARCH Students do research on data (text material, results of science experiments, pieces of art, audio and video etc.) and define a goal or a challenge. b) CREATION The outcomes of the investigation result in a creative product: a written text, a presentation, a video clip, etc. c) PRESENTATION The creative product is presented, preferably not just for the teacher but also for fellow students who can give reciprocal feedback. d) COLLABORATION It is essential for project work that collaboration is integrated in the different stages.

2.

For her project work Carole wants to use ICT tools that provide an added value. Learning Suite by Microsoft is a collection of free programs and applications that can be used for project work. The programs and applications st are mapped according to 21 Century Skills and match the stages of project work.

3.

The most important thing about Learning Suite is that it is a set of free tools for students. Learning Suite can also be downloaded on any computer. Carole calls the Leaning Suite a digital toolkit. Just like an ordinary toolkit students can grab what they need when they need it. In one of the projects the students investigate healthy food and eating habits. The students collaborate in groups and do research about the calories of snacks and drinks they consume during a week. Heres how Carole has used tools from Learning Suite to build her students skills.

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PBL Element
Research

Tool Used
Bing

Activity
Searching for information statistics, averages etc.

Skill(s) developed
Critical Thinking

See How
Developing Critical thinking skills with Bing

Mathematics 4.0

Microsoft Mathematics 4.0 Collaboration Skills, Organizational Skills Creative Skills SkyDrive & Office: How to collaborate Create Authentic Evidence with AutoCollage Encourage creative thinking and develop your students' presentation skills

Collaboration

SkyDrive

Sharing common documents Prepare a visual report of the investigation.

Creation

Autocollage

PowerPoint

Presentation

Songsmith

Present the outcomes for an audience of peers.

Presenting Skills

Tutorials: Songsmith Build creative skills with Moviemaker

Movie Maker

Further Resources and Ideas


Tutorials and Learning Activities for Learning Suite Find out more about Project Based Learning st Find out more about Innovative Teaching and Learning and 21 Century Skills

Framework Alignment
UNESCO CfT Technology Literacy (Curriculum and Assessment, Basic Knowledge), (Pedagogy, Complex Problem Solving) and (ICT, Basic Tools) ISTE Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity (1c,d), Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments (2b,d) and Model Digital Age Work and Learning (3d)

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