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My Innovation Project

I am currently in the process of acquiring a Master's degree in Applied Digital Learning. In the program, we are asked to create an innovation project that is special to us. One thing I have always wanted to learn more about and implement in my classroom is Project-Based Learning. Project-Based Learning engages the students and allows them to use their creativity and their own interests to drive their learning. It also requires them to build their own critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Project-Based Learning model allows the students to lead their learning and build the skills that they will need in the real world, while still learning the content that is crucial for their academic growth. 

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Summary of Innovation Plan

My innovation project involves providing my students with a real-life scenario and problem. Our district is growing drastically and requires several new school campuses. We recently had a bond package approved to develop these schools. I am going to have my students plan, develop, construct, market, and budget a school campus to present at an end-of-the-year showcase. They will do this through a variety of websites, applications, and digital programs. Students will be able to be as creative as they please while they are sticking to the budget. We will build websites, make videos, invent blueprints, and much more. While all of these things are great for students to learn, they also need to learn the TEKS. I will incorporate the TEKS in every step of the project. This project will also be cross-curricular, as we will cover ELAR and science TEKS as well. 

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Growing my Craft

While I already have a plan for this innovation project, I am constantly looking to improve my skills and the instruction that I provide my students. New innovations and technologies provide ample opportunities to do this. One important lesson for educators to remember is to never stop growing your craft. Education is constantly evolving. It is important to not become stagnant in your craft. In saying this, I plan to continue to research and learn about new innovations and technologies. This ensures that I am giving my students the most up-to-date learning environment. 

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Sharing is Caring

I highly believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. By collaborating with my fellow educators, we can bring our school to new heights. We have the power to give our students the leading edge that they need to conquer the world. I will be sharing all of my research and the things I learn along the way with my team members in hopes to inspire them to also implement new technologies and innovations. 

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Take a look around to view my innovation proposal, literature review, and implementation outline to see how I plan to use Project-Based Learning to give my students a cutting edge this coming school year. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Don't miss out on the book recommendations below! So much inspiration to get you in the groove and ready to hit the ground running!

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Innovation Proposal

Implementation Outline

Literature Review

Readings for Inspiration

This article provides a great explanation of PBL and the golden standards for implementation. It is a great read for anyone who is new to PBL looking to learn more, as well as those who would like to see it in action as it has several videos of students actively engaged in the process. ​

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This article provides a great overview and examples of PBL in action. It lists all of the benefits of implementing PBL and also links to another article that provides a framework for teachers to get started. It also explains the difference between Project-Based and Problem-Based learning, which is often confused. Another great read for anyone looking to learn more. â€‹

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‌This reading is a little different. It is a cool little reference guide for easy and quick reading when you need a handy guide in a snap. It is hole punched and laminated to keep in a PBL binder. It contains 7 reasons to use PBL, 7 essential project design elements, the 5 steps for designing a project, and 7 key project-based teaching practices. It also includes types of projects, sample entry events for projects, examples of what PBL is and what it is not, and tips for engaging students and classroom management. This is in my Amazon cart as we speak! Linked below if you want to get your hands on this little gem!

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I absolutely LOVE the "Hacking" series. They provide so much useful information and tricks to implement what you are attempting. The authors also understand what really goes on in the classroom. So many times I have read books that seem the author has either never stepped foot in a classroom or far removed. That is not the case with this book. They are real and experienced! I have it linked to Amazon below if you are interested. 

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‌This one is a real masterpiece. Although she is a culinary teacher, Richmond gives readers advice that anyone can implement. She will make you want to jump right in and get started today. Inspiration at its finest! Anyone who is wanted some educator feel-good, grab this one! Linked below! 

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Books I Have Been Reading

  • Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools 1st Edition by Michael B. Horn (Author), Heather Staker (Author), Clayton M. Christensen (Foreword)- A great look at how innovation opportunities can improve schools if implemented correctly. 

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  • Verity by Colleen Hoover (Author) -Just a little fun summer fiction read. I love me some Colleen Hoover!! 

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  • Hacking School Discipline by Nathan Maynard (Author), Brad Weinstein (Author)- I gained so much knowledge from this book in my first year of teaching. It was definitely a game changer and I highly recommend it to anyone needing that extra something to improve their classroom environment. 

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