ICT-Assisted Project-Based Learning Plan: Sample and Discussion

 

“A learning plan is a useful tool to plan and manage learning goals as they relate to achieving work objectives and/or competency development.” It is immensely helpful in showing clarity and progress in one’s learning and ensuring that the learning activities will be very efficient and orderly.

http://guroako.com/2020/08/08/weekly-home-learning-plan-template-and-sample/

The second photo attached above is a sample weekly home learning plan of the Department of Education. It is a weekly plan yet I only chose to take a snapshot of a one-day learning plan for Science Grade 7.

In response to the flexible learning system where students are required to answer their self-learning modules (SLM) in their respective homes, the Department of Education designed a learning plan to guide teachers and students, as well as parents in tracking lessons that are suggested to be studied/answered in a day within a week. In the sample learning plan provided, the components include day and time, learning area, learning competency, learning tasks, and mode of delivery. Although a column for ICT tools/resources to be utilized by the students is not included, the sample learning plan still integrates the use of ICT for both the teaching and learning process when learning tasks are scrutinized. The learning tasks of the sample learning plan allow students to dig deeper into the components of scientific investigation. Also, it requires students to use ICT tools/resources such as mobile phones to be able to understand the topic and finish the tasks.

In addition, the sample learning plan provided promotes the project-based learning (PBL) approach as one of the learning tasks for students is to design their own investigation by providing the possible components or steps in a scientific investigation with a given science problem. The PBL approach integrated with ICT in the learning plan does equip students to become problem solvers as it does not limit their knowledge, skills, and understanding. Furthermore, the educational approach helps in arousing students' curiosity and encourages them to do inquiries.

How to Integrate ICT and Project-Based Learning Approach in a Learning Plan?

      To recap, ICT refers to technological tools and instructional resources that are used to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information. It includes the internet, computers, mobile phones, radio, television, and other media applications and services. On the other hand, Project-Based Learning (PBL) refers to a collaborative, learner-centered instructional approach that supports “deeper learning” and is in contrast to the traditional teaching approach. It is designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through active exploration of real-world problems and challenges.

One of the most efficient methods for teachers’ effective and active teaching is the integration of technology into the syllabus. Nowadays, there is widespread use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, and a lot of schools around the world have been equipped with technological facilities. Thus, teachers need to exploit the considerable potential of these facilities in education.

 

To integrate ICT and project-based learning approach in a learning plan, teachers must have an intensive course first on the pedagogical use of ICT for a certain subject. Teachers should illustrate, both in practice and in theory, how technology is used in teaching so that this may provide them a direct experience. Second, teachers should be aware that introducing ICT tools in teaching not only changes the use of tools in teaching but also what we teach and how we teach, which is an important and often overlooked aspect of many ICT integration interventions. Therefore, teachers need to be able to use ICT tools in their classrooms creatively, purposefully, and effectively. To be an ICT-integrating teacher means going beyond ICT skills, and developing an understanding of the complex relationships between pedagogy, content, and ICT. Third, teachers must design learning activities that are aligned to the desired learning competency, and would allow students to utilize ICT tools as true learning in the 21st century requires students to be able to use ICT, not only to enhance knowledge but also to develop skills, particularly the 4Cs of the 21st-century skills, namely: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity through active exploration of real-world problems and challenges.

 

PBL with ICT integration goes along with the premise of Benjamin Franklin saying, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” It means to say that when students are actively engaged and held accountable for their own learning, rest assured that learning takes place and the learning process becomes meaningful for the learners.