Benefits of Using Schoology Learning for Project-Based Learning

COVID-19 changed the way we teach and learn in many ways. Fortunately, edtech can help educators provide more personalized learning experiences for students, no matter where they are. Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. A learning management system (LMS) is an ideal tool for PBL. Here’s why:

Use “Realia” to Make the Lesson Real

“Realia” is a fancy word for when we use real-life stuff for teaching aids. Dissection in a biology class? That’s realia. Tasting foods mentioned in a short story? That’s realia.

With PBL, it’s beneficial for students to see realia before they begin working on their projects. For students learning remotely, teachers can add a list of suggested realia to the LMS. Educators should do everything they can to help students forget that they’re working on an assignment and instead feel excited about creating something real.

Using their devices, students have access to an entire world of realia at their fingertips. If your project is for students to design a zoo, don’t just have them go into it with no sense of direction. Make a folder in Schoology Learning that includes links for students to see zoo animals live and other relevant resources. This helps students understand the real-life implications of their project, and it also develops digital literacy as students search online for the results they want.

Practice Real-Life Communication Skills

PBL lessons are the perfect opportunity for students to increase their digital literacy by practicing communication skills. Students should brainstorm and communicate in person when they have the opportunity, but sharing and collaborating digitally is an equally important skill. Fortunately, an LMS—like Schoology Learning—is an ideal edtech tool for student collaboration and communication.

Consider setting up a discussion board for your students to collaborate on a project as homework. Of course, teachers will need to monitor communication over these channels, just as it’s essential for an educator to monitor small groups when working in class. Educators can monitor the communication online by making sure they drop in on each group’s discussion. Usually, simply knowing that the teacher is in the group is likely to prevent most inappropriate behavior.

Give Students a Platform to Share Their Work

One of the most critical parts of any PBL lesson comes at the end when students put their projects on display. Showcasing their work instills a sense of pride in students, and it often encourages others to do the same. Additionally, sharing your work enhances the sense of ownership of a project. Sharing can take place in person or virtually using Schoology Learning. Students can add their projects to the class, and other students can leave feedback.

Whether your students have created a text document or a visual design, consider offering them an opportunity to share their projects online in a more public space. Offer guidance, but—when given a chance—many students will share their projects on their own.

Project-based learning is part of the future of education, as it is one of the best ways to personalize learning. Finding a way to combine PBL with your LMS gives students access to the tools they need to develop valuable skills necessary to succeed in the future.

Use Schoology Learning to introduce real-life elements to projects, bring remote and in-person students together, increase collaboration, and give students a stage to show off their work. The result? A successful project-based learning environment.