Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that encourages students to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. Challenge Based Learning is collaborative and hands-on, asking students to work with other students, their teachers, and experts in their communities and around the world to develop deeper knowledge of the subjects students are studying, accept and solve challenges, take action, share their experience, and enter into a global discussion about important issues. (The New Media Consortium) Many schools are combining this engaging approach with a one-to-one or BYOD initiative to bring new depth, engagement and ownership to content. 

Project-based Learning (PBL) is a teaching approach that engages students in sustained, collaborative real-world investigations. Projects are organized around a driving question, and students participate in a variety of tasks that seek to meaningfully address this question. BIE defines project-based learning as “a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.” This process can last for varying time periods and can extend over multiple content areas. In order to create effective project-based learning units, professional development organizers suggest using the following guidelines:

• Begin with the end in mind and plan for this end result.
• Craft the driving question; select and refine a central question.
• Plan the assessment and define outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Map the project: Decide how to structure the project.
• Manage the process: Find tools and strategies for successful projects. Learn NC

Here at Transformational Teaching all of our educational technology specialists are highly qualified in the areas of Challenge and Project Based Learning. All of our specialists are former classroom teachers and have used Project or Challenge Based Learning in the classroom and are senior trainers with Intel for Educators. We will be glad to work with your faculty no matter where you are on the Challenge or Project Based continuum.