IPE: Challenge-based Learning and the PLAYground: What is challenge-based learning and how can we use an online platform to explore it?

This hands-on workshop will explore challenge-based learning opportunities using Project New Media Literacies’ PLAYground on-line platform. Teachers, students and researchers will facilitate an exploration of challenges created by our pilot program and demonstrate opportunities for workshop participants to create action-oriented curriculum for student participation/engagement in both formal (classroom) and informal learning environments.

In 2009, the New Media Consortium collaborated with Apple to define a new pedagogical framework called challenge-based learning. This combines project-based learning, problem-based learning and the  importance of taking action in solving real-world problems to share with the world. With information and sharing with others at the tips of our fingers, challenges encourage participants to search, synthesize, collaboratively remix and disseminate information central to questions that are open-ended and serve as a framework for student-centered learning and inquiry on specific topics that they are passionate about (Johnson, Smith, Smythe, & Varon, 2009).

The PLAYground is an online platform for the curation, creation and circulation of user-generated challenges, where the majority of participants are teachers and students from various disciplines and ages. It is designed to cultivate and promote challenge-based learning experiences. In large and small groups, participants are able to: design and participate in learning-rich activities; identify these activities’ potential contributions to teaching and learning; reflect upon their own pedagogical practices; and discover intersections and practical take-aways.

The innovation of the PLAYground is embedded in both its content and design as a technological tool that serves teachers and students within the learning eco-system. The platform is free, user friendly, and has been piloted with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) public school teachers and students from a range of disciplines (e.g., special needs, math and sciences, health, literacy, social studies, etc). Every teacher who participated in the pilot phase testing of the PLAYground derived benefit, regardless of classroom access to technology. Those who lacked digital tools utilized the challenge content within the PLAYground to create dynamic lessons off-line using the 21st century skill sets implicit to challenge-based learning.

Workshop Outline

15 min: Introduction to Challenge-Based Learning in the context of PLAY!; Working Definition of “Challenge-based learning” – what key nuances distinguish it from other types of learning; PLAY!/NML and PD projects (Summer Sandbox, Playing Outside the Box)

5 min: Break into groups; Each group is facilitated activity by Researcher and Teacher 

20 min: PLAY! platform-immersion; Each group goes through the same challenge

30 min: Challenge Creation; Each group creates a challenge
NOTE: Individuals with their own technology may also create their own challenge.

15 min: Reflection; Group discussion/presentation of the challenges:
How can this be used in the classroom and beyond?
Vision for PLAY! Future PD (e.g., relations with education departments/emerging teachers)

5 min: Wrap Up
NOTE: Additional reflection can be offered at adjacent videotaping booth

Organizer(s): 
Henry Jenkins
Erin Reilly
Participants: 
Laurel Felt
Kirsten Carthew
Vanessa Vartabedian
Akifa Khan