2021 #VWEDU: #DTA: Learning how to learn and project-based learning. Learning online can put them together. And instigate evaluated practice.

Learning how to learn and project-based learning.    

Learning online can put them together.  

And instigate practice.

Can't monitor student effort when they work online?  Give them a project and monitor their work.  Use a digital coach to monitor the details.

Small group at work online

• We are in Germany, Arizona, and Texas
• But we get to the meeting in less than 30 seconds.
• We talk, go over the agenda, exchange notes and web links.
• We do everything we would do in a physical business meeting.
• If we were students, we could have a DTA to coach us.

Learning how to learn: Can schools teach that?

• Schools should teach students how to learn on their own.
• If we had a course in how to learn, what would it look like? 
• And what would the teacher do?  
• Start with "What would the learner do?"
• A psychologist points out: learning occurs with evaluated practice.
• So to teach: create circumstances that induce evaluated practice.
• "Read chapter seven."  gives practice in reading, 
• Most project-based learning can do that.   
• Because self-managed learning is a project
• Inquiry-based learning specifically does that.

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A scenario for teaching self-management with DTA

• Start with project-based learning (PBL). 
• Add: small group project planning and execution.
• Add: group meetings in a digital environment, with DTA assistance.
• Group meetings may be done at class time or as homework.
• DTA acts as representative for the teacher.
• DTA instigates reflective thinking.
• Through the  DTA, the teacher requires reports from each meeting. 
• DTA provides the reporting form or recording. 
• Recording may be audio or audio/video. 
• Required reports are about things needed for progress on the project:
• Objective of this meeting.
• Reports of progress on action items (by person).
• Action items for next meeting (by  person)
• Required reports are also about reflection on the inquiry process:
• What task did you find easiest?
• What task did you find hardest? 
• Did you find a way to do a task more efficiently?  Explain.

Why PBL online?

• Can schools be preparing students for future work, if working online is not part of the curriculum?

Active practice rather than passive reading

• Once you hear lecture about swimming, you never forget what you learned about lectures. Talking is not teaching.
• What do you do with class time in a digital campus? Surely not live lectures: You can replace those with polished videos. And so can your management

Practice in goal-directed thinking

• Asset-oriented learning. Goal-directed learning. Build your professional portfolio Reputation as an asset.
• Breadwinner thinking. Project-based learning. Growth-oriented learning. Goal-directed learning. The future of work is online.

Practice work-group skills

• Project-based learning can develop work-group skills--if it uses team projects It needs a DTA familiar with group facilitation roles.
• Teamwork in a digital place. Online learning does not have to be lonely. They can't learn teamwork by themselves.
• Action-item practice for group meetings in project based learning. Effective meetings don't just happen, they are planned.
• Agenda training for a project meeting by a self-managed group. Learning to plan in a group
• Project-based learning with work-groups: Not just the content: project skills, team skills, self-confidence

Practice in self-management

• Inquiry-based learning: "Here's what you have to know." changes to "Here's how to find out things."
• Learn to be a self-starter. Self-managed learning, libraries, learning communities.
• Student-thinking versus breadwinner-thinking versus entrepreneurial thinking: coming of age in school
• The DTA can encourage good time-management habits

Practice in learning how to learn

• The DTA as search coach: How does that work? Especially for project-based learning
• Visualization, the skill they did not tell you about. Maybe you figured out how to use it anyway?

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Visit me on the web

• Drop by my web offices Weekdays: 12:-12:30 pm Central time (US)
• I am available for free consulting on any topic in this blog.
• Cybalounge and 3DWebWorldz (Orientation room)
• I will be in both places, so you may need to speak to get my attention.
• Web-worlds, 3D virtual worlds running in a browser. Summary
• And we can visit the Writer's Workshop on the Web
• Don't register -- enter as guest.  

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