Project-based learning online

In the very week that we are about to discuss learner autonomy, Larry Ferlazzo describes a similar project in his blog. This is a little different to the kind of tandem learning projects that we have reviewed, where learners of complementary L1-L2 combinations are paired. Instead, it is a kind of project-based learning online:

ESL/EFL teachers from seven countries (Kuwait, Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Sudan, Hungary, and Romania) have brought our classes together online to correspond and to develop joint projects. You can see some of the first efforts by our students in their introductory slideshows, VoiceThreads, animated movies and videos at our Student Showcase. Feel free to leave audio or written comments on the VoiceThreads, and written comments on the blog itself.

I recommend having a look at the student showcase, as suggested, as it gives you some idea of what students can achieve by narrating a set of photos that are personally meaningful to them. It would be very interesting to know how the various teachers are encouraging their students to take part in the exchange, above and beyond the creation of the digital stories that you can see online. As well as the creation of these initial artifacts, which is an achievement in itself, students will need some kind of drive to communicate and reflect on their learning partnership. Students will also need some support in evaluating their learning progress, and the language and content that they are producing.

This looks like a very interesting project to watch, or if you are interested and think your students would enjoy the experience, to get involved in.