What is Online Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. These activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom.
Project Based Learning is synonymous with learning in depth. A well-designed project provokes students to encounter (and struggle with) the central concepts and principles of a discipline.
Project Based Learning teaches students 21 st century skills as well as content. These skills include communication and presentation skills, organization and time management skills, research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflection skills, and group participation and leadership skills.
Project Based Learning is generally done by groups of students working together toward a common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual basis, and takes into account the quality of the product produced, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization.
Finally, Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and opinions, exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning process in general.
http://pbl-online.org/About/whatisPBL.htm


http://www.thinkquest.org/en/projects/index.html


Well- crafted project:

• Engage and build on student interests and passions
• Provide a meaningful and authentic context for learning
• Immerse students in complex, real-world problems/investigations without a pre-determined solution
• Allow students to take the lead, making critical choices and decisions
• Connect students with community resources and experts
• Require students to develop and demonstrate essential skills and knowledge
• Draw on multiple disciplines to solve problems and deepen understanding
• Build in opportunities for reflection and self-assessment
• Result in useful products that demonstrate what students have learned
• Culminate in exhibitions or presentations to an authentic audience

Project Examples And Resources

• Math Webquests offers a definition and the benefits of project-based learning in math. This site also offers link to a variety of projects for elementary, middle school, and high school appropriate "web quests."
• Mrs. O's House offers a wide array of projects to try with your students. Topics range from exploring bird species and home ownership to Biomes and clean air in your community. 
• Ohio Resource Center offers a variety of projects integrating technology. Topics include Art & Communication, Construction Technologies, Hospitality and Tourism, Transportation, and others. Students can work in groups or alone. 
• Oracle Think Quest provides an online environment that seamlessly integrates technology and projects that are easy and fun to use. Here you can choose or design a project, assign groups in your class, and monitor the progress of all the projects in one place. 
• PBL-Online.org has a library of pre-developed projects.  You must sign-up as a member, but it is a free service that grants you access to a wealth of information and activities.  

Source: http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-teaching/project-based-learning#5#ixzz1533770nF

Why Integrate into the Classroom?

Projects provide a flexible framework for engaging students in exploring curricular topics and developing important 21st century skills, such as communication, teamwork, and technology skills. In addition, students are motivated by the fun and creative format and the opportunity to make new friends around the world. For teachers, a school portal enables quick and easy management of student accounts and review of project work.