Zoom Zombies
We’ve all performed our best zombie walk while trudging into our early morning in-person classes. Yet, we would slowly regain our liveliness throughout the day as we saw our friends and favorite teachers. However, today, eLearning has become the new norm.
Staring at a computer screen for hours makes a zombie out of everyone, drooling and groaning out of boredom. The lack of emotional connection through online learning prevents us from absorbing class material and discourages participation.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing how to foster creativity and emotional connections through online learning, enticing students to engage with classroom content.
The Antidote of PBL
At the National STEM Honor Society, we advocate for Project Based Learning (PBL). PBL is a classroom dynamic where students actively explore real-world problems and challenges in order to acquire more knowledge. With this method, students answer elaborate questions and present solutions to societal issues through presentation.
PBL fosters critical thinking and communication skills, creativity, and a sense of community and collaboration among students. By allowing students to flaunt their creativity, and work together in teams, we can spark the enthusiasm in-person classes were once able to inspire.
Injecting the Cure
Because Project-Based Learning is a relatively new way of teaching, the process of implementing it into the classroom might be daunting. However, we’re here to guide you through the journey of integrating PBL into your core curriculum.
First, start by formulating an essential question that will launch the project. This question should be both interesting and relevant to your students. Use open-ended questions that relate to modern society. By asking a question that has meaning to students’ lives, students will feel more compelled to present their best work.
After formulating a question, decide on the final product and outline the timeline. It is imperative to involve students in this step because they will assume ownership of their final product. Select projects that both pertain to the posed question and utilize the curriculum.
Although setting a schedule drives the progress of Project-Based Learning, it is also necessary to allow some flexibility as students conceptualize, design, and launch their projects.
Finally, allow the students to present their final products and reflect on their experience as a class. By giving students time to reflect on what they’ve discovered, they will synthesize new knowledge. They also may offer feedback that will improve the next experience.
No More Zombies!
Introducing Project-Based Learning in an online learning environment encourages independent and innovative thinking. It also obliges students to maintain contact with their classmates, helping them feel less isolated. Collaboration offers new perspectives and also fosters creativity in the classroom.
Although the context of this blog focused on eLearning, it can be equally, if not more, effective in person. Project-Based Learning undoes the rotting of both early morning and Zoom zombies’ brains by invoking excitement and motivation to participate.
Written by Alexandra Sugatan
Edited by Emily Hyser
