Modifying the process for media specialists
“For three years, Library Media Specialists in Virginia Beach have had the opportunity to bring a classroom teacher to a two-day project-based learning workshop. With a focus this year on digital storytelling, our elementary instructional technology team offered an introduction to this compelling process, hands-on instruction with software tools, and most importantly, guidance in developing a project to be implemented with students.

Working with Joan Schlegelmilch and Michelle Miller, we worked with participants to complete a series of miniprojects, modeling and reinforcing the elements of project-based learning such as authentic tasks, cross-curricular applications, and cooperative learning.

The real fun began when teams began working on developing their own projects. Once participants sketched out a project idea, they worked through the project themselves, noting resources needed, skills used, and potential pitfalls. The process was filled with ‘a-ha’ moments and from time to time, ‘oh no’ moments.

At the end, each team shared its project idea, the sample project the team created, and lessons learned along the way. Project topics were diverse and demonstrated that student project work could both address standards and be fun and creative.

We invited the principals to attend as a way to introduce them to the concepts of both digital storytelling and project-based learning, as well as encourage their continued support of technology integration and collaborative planning and teaching.

The best outcome is when they see that the work completed in the workshop can be transferred to instruction in the classroom. One teacher reported, ‘I took the class on a Thursday and Friday, and by the next week, my students and I have completed a great finished project!’ Project-based learning workshops have become a tradition that we hope to continue in Virginia Beach.”