GEDU 6140 282 GRADUATE PROJECT SEMINAR

Michelle Taylor
Project Proposal
Brief Introduction
The topic I wish to critically explore for my graduate project is the Project-Based Learning
framework. I would like to explore the strengths and challenges of implementing this approach
in an elementary classroom. I am interested in learning more about podcasting and feel it is a
technology option that would follow this approach. Ultimately, I would like for my students to
generate their own podcasts in the language arts curriculum as a project-based activity. I would
like to know how the project-based learning framework works best in the younger grades? What
is my role? Is podcasting an effective way to enhance/improve student learning? Is it a valuable
tool to use when the project work is complete and their learning is shared?
Rationale
I am interested in this topic as I think it is valuable for students to work collaboratively and to
develop problem solving skills. From reviewing the literature this far, I understand that project
based learning is an approach to classroom teaching that allows all learners to participate in
hands on, authentic learning experiences and to think critically (Blumenfeld, Soloway, Marx,
Krajcik, Guzdial & Palincsar, 1991). I feel podcasts would have an authentic purpose for
students to broadcast their learning to their audience. Podcasts are digital media files. They are
generally audio files but can be combined with digital video. I would introduce the students to a
number of podcasts programs so that they can hear and see what a podcast looks like. Once the
students are immersed in the content and have researched their topic they should be more able to
create a presentation that is reflective of their learning. Integrating technology tools and software
into the classroom for all learners to access would allow my learners to generate motivation to
learn about new technologies and create an exciting classroom experience. Using podcasts
students are able to develop and publish their work in a fun and creative way. I would like to
review and evaluate a few of the web 2.0 tools that are available. Some examples are: Gcast,
Audacity, Glogster, Voki, Garageband, Podomatic, Kid-cast, Voicethread, and vozMe.
Students would first decide on the topic for their podcast, their audience and then they develop
and practice the content before broadcasting it. I think podcasts would be a great way to assess
students reading for fluency and expression as well as the audience for listening addressing the
speaking and listening outcomes for the early grades.
I am interested in taking a deeper look at the benefits of podcasting in the elementary grades.
Students will create a self-generated/group generated Podcast. These podcasts could be uploaded
to the class website or just enjoyed in the classroom.
Those involved in this project would be a grade 2 and 3 students at KCA school. Their grade 5
learning buddies could potentially work collaboratively with them. The school set of iPads and
netbooks would be used to research and record their broadcasts using free accessible and credible
software. My learning buddy, Tanya Akin will be supportive throughout this journey. The
project for this course is due on May 27
th
. If this project idea was implemented I think it may
take a month.
References to articles APA style
Blumenfeld, P.C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J.S., Guzdial, M. & Palincsar, A.(1991).
Motivating Project-Based Learning:Sustaining the Doing, Supporting the Learning.
Educational Psychologist, 26(3&4), 369-398.

Cebeci, Z., & Tekdal, M. (2006). Using Podcasts as Audio Learning Objects. Interdisciplinary
Journal of Knowledge and Learning Objects, (2), 47-57