When I started writing this post I titled it “iBooks in Education” but then revised it to what you see above. The reason for doing so is that the excitement I have about iBooks is grounded in what it empowers students to achieve in Project Based Learning. So before I get all excited about iBooks, let me sing the praises of PBL.
The Buck Institute for Education describes Project Based Learning as, “…an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some degree of student “voice and choice,” rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products & presentations” (bie.org).
This website, supported by the Buck Institute, explains the process of PBL and how teachers can implement the philosophy/framework in their classroom.
I think the reason I would like to teach this way is that I can see the ‘real world’ skills students have the opportunity to develop while doing a project this way such as creativity, collaboration, “revision and reflection”. I also think that the components of a “public audience” and having a “voice & choice” are powerful driving motivators. These are the skills and experiences that are going to set these students apart from their peers and give them confidence in their own abilities.
Next post will be about my experiences supporting my husband’s teaching with iBooks…