TechTours

Case ID:

C01753

C01753: TechTours

Novelty:

Flexible web-based software that allows teacher to design a custom learning experience.

Value Proposition:

Currently, web-based teaching tools are inflexible and may not contain outstanding content. A TechTour is project-based learning experience that guides students through numerous teacher-identified web resources to learn information related to specified content areas. Students work in teams and individually investigating various Web sites and other resources to find solutions and discover answers to class assignments. Advantages include:

• Provides a customizable, project-based learning experience .

• Preexisting design template offers convenient project setup .

• Automated management of entire scope of the project .

• Easy accessibility facilitates student participation

Technical Details:

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a is a web-based application that allows educators to create project-based learning experiences called Tech Tours and develop daily lessons using the GLOBE Tech Cycle of Instruction. Project Builder includes lessons approved by the Johns Hopkins Center for Technology in Education (CTE), created by teachers to be used by other teachers in a variety of ways: as completed units for their own classes, as inspiration when developing a new unit or lesson, or as a starting point for a unit that can be edited, adapted, and customized to meet the needs of a particular group of students. The research-based framework of Project Builder allows teachers to customize these learning experiences according to state standards and student learning outcomes. The provided template embedded in Project Builder allows teachers to create inquiry-based projects of sound instructional design.

Looking for Partners:

To develop and commercialize the technology as a versatile instruction tool.

Stage of Development:

Prototype

Data Availability:

Under CDA/NDA

Publications/Associated Cases:

Not available at this time