Digital Projects that Inspire and Support Student Learning

(Grades K-12) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 148T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42586

Course Description

Does using technology for class projects excite you? Would you like to learn how to design dynamic, content-focused technology projects that engage and inspire students? This online course is designed to help K-12 teachers design authentic, multimedia digital projects to showcase students’ learning. The course starts with a discussion on shifting the focus from students consuming knowledge to being producers of knowledge by leveraging technology to enhance learning. Teachers will dive into the Four Cs of 21st Century Learning to foster students’ critical thinking skills as well as explore how the backward design method can aid in designing student projects that align to content standards. The course presents three frameworks for teachers to follow for designing projects that require students to use various thinking skills, engage in inquiry and application to deepen understanding of content, and apply their learning in an authentic and meaningful context. Supporting students as they complete challenging projects is important, so instructional and differentiating strategies are provided to help teachers guide students through their projects. Teachers also gain their own hands-on experience with various digital tools that students can use to create digital content, including eBooks, comic books, infographics, podcasts, videos, websites, apps, and virtual experiences. Additionally, teachers are introduced to artificial intelligence tools that students can use to support their learning. By the end of this course, teachers will have the confidence and skills to design engaging digital projects that inspire and support students’ learning. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.