Before this semester I had no idea what project based learning was or that it is incorporated in classrooms. Wikipedia defines project based learning as, “the use of classroom projects, intended to bring about deep learning, where students use technology and inquiry to engage with issues and questions that are relevant to their lives.” By choosing to make a memorial video about my brother, Benjamin, I uncovered my previous struggles regarding his passing and I also realized how much I enjoyed working with Windows Movie Maker.
In terms of personal development I grew more conscious of my feelings of grief. I still get emotional when I think about my brother, but this project was a great outlet for me to share my feelings and memories with others. I really enjoyed getting all the pictures together, looking through old photo albums and videos. I used this time to reflect on my memories I have about my brother and the great person he was.
Project based learning helped my improve my technology skills in many ways like converting video formats, scanning pictures and editing a movie. My video includes an interview that was originally recorded on VHS format, which I later had to convert into DVD format. This tested my technology skills because I encountered many file compatibility issues. I researched on the internet for possible solutions and I was able to find a program that correctly formatted my DVD into a compatible file for use in Windows Movie Maker. Editing the movie proved to be just as challenging for me. I had to adjust the time for each picture so that it was synchronized with my music. I am glad that I took the time to do this because the end result was worth it. I am very thankful for the assistance I received from technology experts online and the student workers at the Intel Lab. They were able to take my ideas that I envisioned for my project and give me tips on how I could achieve those results.
Technology is a great tool to use in the classroom because it supports student understanding of content. My ideas regarding the use of technology to support student understanding have changed because I now have stronger feelings about the need to use technology in classrooms. With technology children are able to be very creative and still have the ability to develop their critical thinking skills. Project based learning is a great because it allows students to be creative, while helping them enhance their research and communication skills.
