Key Reasons to use Tech in PBL

During the last couple of days, I have been doing a lot of reading about Project Based Learning (PBL) and technology. Specifically, I have been reading how technology can and needs to be used to support learning in a PBL model.  The readings do not out-rightly say that PBL needs technology but that using technology to support PBL is needed. As I work on the final project for completing my Master of Education degree, I am attempting to develop a rationale for using technology in PBL.

I currently am leaning towards a number of key reasons for using technology in PBL. One of the fun things about researching is that you start to read a number of articles, blogs, wikis, tweets and posts that provide you with new and unexpected ideas.  The last part of the rationale for why technology should be used in PBL suggests that much teacher growth, professional development and teacher leadership can be fostered and developed in teachers that incorporate technology into their PBL teaching.  While the particulars and supporting research are not yet included, it is these key reasons below that I am currently working with as to why technology should be included in PBL.

Key Reasons for using Technology in PBL

• while PBL does not need technology per se, technology can support the learner and the learning process.  I believe that each of the Eight Essentials of PBL can and should be supported by technology. One of the products that I will be creating and sharing as part of my Master's project is a series of video tutorials showcasing technology for each of the Essentials with goals of providing educators and learners with tools that permit them to dig deeper into their learning
• technology allows for effective planning and management of learning projects. Managing projects, getting student feedback and reflections, and providing students a voice and choice is believed to be readily completed through the use of technology and online tools
• as teachers learn, and in turn use, more technology in their teaching, their teaching often becomes more constructivist in nature - this should lead to better PBL
• technology supports Growing Success.
  
  Growing Success is an Assessment and Evaluation Document for the province of Ontario (Canada). The document empowers teachers with much freedom in terms of assessment tools, collections of information (including conversations and observations) and evaluating students. An important part of Growing Success is Assessment for Learning, Assessment as Learning and Assessment of Learning
• using technology in PBL can foster professional growth, professional development and leadership among teachers. Riel and Becker discuss the idea of Teacher Leadership Practices and present their model (pyramid).  This model also is similar to the SAMR model for "Empowering Students with Technology" 

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  Some other important points that I am considering are how technology is supported in my school, how the ISTE Standards can be brought into the PBL - most likely in the 21st Century Learning skills, and the actual density of technology available for learning in our school.
  
  
  My steps in the next couple of days are to look more at PBL for 21st Century Success. This book, by Suzie Boss of the BIE, focuses on how the skills of; Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Creativity are taught, assessed and evaluated in a PBL setting.  My readings are leading towards  technology also playing a key role in this.