Free PBL Resources for Distance Learning
Are you interested in FREE online resources for students and families?
Visit our Resources for Students and Families page.
Visit our Resources for Students and Families page.
Leveraging Tech to Create Gold-Standard PBL Experiences for Students
The examples below provide a small sampling of possible tech tools that can help the transition to a virtual PBL environment.
Gold Standard Design Element link > Tech Tool - Description
Challenging Problem or Question
Project Cards> Project Cards - 65 project cards standards-aligned project ideas across grades and content areas
Parlay Ideas> Parlay Ideas - Discussion platform for online and face to face discussion
Sustained Inquiry
Newsela> Newsela - Online platform with news that features high-interest articles on current events and myths and legends
Padlet> Padlet - Multimedia bulletin boards for collaboration
Authenticity
Nepris> Nepris - Cloud-based platform for connecting students to industry professionals
Sketchup> Sketchup - An online design tool for 3D drawings
Student Voice and Choice
Seesaw> Seesaw - Digital portfolio where students can complete and showcase their work
Canva> Canva - Online design tool with many templates
Reflection
Flipgrid> Flipgrid - A website where teachers create “grids” for students to record videos
Kidblog> Kidblog - A blogging platform designed for kids that can be moderated by educators
Critique & Revision
PenPal Schools> Penpal Schools - An online platform where students can collaborate and give and get feedback from other penpals from 150 countries
Kaizena> Kaizena - A Google Add-on that enables audio and text feedback
Austin’s Butterfly> Austin’s Butterfly Video - A video showcasing how to give effective feedback for quality student work
Public Product
Soundtrap> Soundtrap - Spotify’s student digital workstation where students can product podcasts and much more
Bookcreator> Bookcreator - Easy-to-use digital bookmaking tool
The examples below provide a small sampling of possible tech tools that can help the transition to a virtual PBL environment.
Gold Standard Design Element link > Tech Tool - Description
Challenging Problem or Question
Project Cards> Project Cards - 65 project cards standards-aligned project ideas across grades and content areas
Parlay Ideas> Parlay Ideas - Discussion platform for online and face to face discussion
Sustained Inquiry
Newsela> Newsela - Online platform with news that features high-interest articles on current events and myths and legends
Padlet> Padlet - Multimedia bulletin boards for collaboration
Authenticity
Nepris> Nepris - Cloud-based platform for connecting students to industry professionals
Sketchup> Sketchup - An online design tool for 3D drawings
Student Voice and Choice
Seesaw> Seesaw - Digital portfolio where students can complete and showcase their work
Canva> Canva - Online design tool with many templates
Reflection
Flipgrid> Flipgrid - A website where teachers create “grids” for students to record videos
Kidblog> Kidblog - A blogging platform designed for kids that can be moderated by educators
Critique & Revision
PenPal Schools> Penpal Schools - An online platform where students can collaborate and give and get feedback from other penpals from 150 countries
Kaizena> Kaizena - A Google Add-on that enables audio and text feedback
Austin’s Butterfly> Austin’s Butterfly Video - A video showcasing how to give effective feedback for quality student work
Public Product
Soundtrap> Soundtrap - Spotify’s student digital workstation where students can product podcasts and much more
Bookcreator> Bookcreator - Easy-to-use digital bookmaking tool
InquirED | We are all on an inquiry now, one that is changing by the hour. We’re here for the teachers exploring new methods of instruction, those of you at home juggling roles and responsibilities, and our students, who need all of us to learn and grow.
Quality Matters | The QM Quality Assurance System relies on a set of core principles to create a culture of continuous improvement so you deliver on your promise day after day, semester after semester. Quality Matters Resources for Teaching In A Virtual World. Defined Learning | Defined Learning provides teachers with the educational and assessment tools needed to implement high-quality PBL. Our hands-on projects are based on situations in STEM careers to help learners discover their passions and choose a pathway to a promising future. |
Teaching PBL Online | How to do successful Project Based Learning online, featuring Kelly Pfeiffer (Head Teacher, Dubbo School of Distance Learning in Dubbo, Australia) one of the world's leading experts on distance learning and PBL.
PBLWorks Blog: School Closures? | How can a PBL teacher keep students connected and engaged, so a project is just as powerful as what would be expected in their face-to-face classroom? This post is intended to provide some resources that can help you answer this question.
PBLWorks Blog: Beyond the Worksheet Packet | Many ideas from the PBLWorks project library can be adapted for individual or remote learning. Click the link below to learn of some that especially lend themselves to learning at home.
PBLWorks Blog: Remote PBL | At Camden Rockport Middle School in Camden, Maine, remote Project Based Teaching began as a way to combat excessive snow days. Now, with the possibility of schools closing because of a new corona virus, seventh and eighth grade teachers have been engaging their students in PBL when school could not safely be in session.
PBLWorks Blog: Current Events | Whether school is closed or open, it’s likely that many of your students will be experiencing anxiety and distraction in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be following the situation closely. While the pandemic is disruptive, it also offers opportunities for authentic and relevant student learning.
Educator Tip Sheet – STEAM Resources for Distance Learning [PDF] | If current events are forcing your academic institution to quickly adapt all your faculty and students to online learning, here are some FREE resources courtesy of STS Education to help with creating content and accessing unique online learning resources, particularly around STEAM. Click on the logos within the page to access their websites.
Distance Learning with PBS LearningMedia | As you plan for a variety of scenarios in response to the global COVID-19 health crisis, we wanted to share a few tips, tricks, and resources you can use to support distance learning.
Virus Information and Prevention | What are viruses and how do they spread? Find resources for students of all ages that explore the nature of viruses, how they are transmitted, and the healthy habits we can all engage in to prevent their spread. PBS LearningMedia has a collection of resources organized by grade.
Keep Calm and Carry On with INFOHIO! | INFOhio has easy lessons for distance learning. Prepare for remote learning with resources, lessons, and more that all Ohio PreK-12 schools can use. Your students can keep calm, carry on, and keep learning with INFOhio!
Online and Remote Learning | 38 page compilation of online resources for ALL content areas and Google tips for teachers- created by Midwestern County ESC
Resource-opoly | More resources for content area teachers - created by Brown County ESC
Ohio Math Teachers Online Community | Link to register Ohio math teachers that wish to be included in this online community, sponsored by OCTM
STEM Streaming | To support virtual education and distance learning, The PAST Foundation created STEMStreaming, a wealth of teacher and parent resources that can help you get started. These PAST-developed resources have been used by thousands across the world. They offer three types of resources: Webinars for Educators; Podcasts for Everyone, and STEM Activities at Home.
Virtual Learning for Educators, Students & Families | Join this community for free virtual learning offered daily. Topics include Mindfulness Strategies for Adult & Student Wellness, Leveraging SEL at Home, Supporting SEL in your Context, and Building Connectedness and Belonging for Students While School Buildings are Closed.
Links for Kids and Families
PBLWorks Blog: School Closures? | How can a PBL teacher keep students connected and engaged, so a project is just as powerful as what would be expected in their face-to-face classroom? This post is intended to provide some resources that can help you answer this question.
PBLWorks Blog: Beyond the Worksheet Packet | Many ideas from the PBLWorks project library can be adapted for individual or remote learning. Click the link below to learn of some that especially lend themselves to learning at home.
PBLWorks Blog: Remote PBL | At Camden Rockport Middle School in Camden, Maine, remote Project Based Teaching began as a way to combat excessive snow days. Now, with the possibility of schools closing because of a new corona virus, seventh and eighth grade teachers have been engaging their students in PBL when school could not safely be in session.
PBLWorks Blog: Current Events | Whether school is closed or open, it’s likely that many of your students will be experiencing anxiety and distraction in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be following the situation closely. While the pandemic is disruptive, it also offers opportunities for authentic and relevant student learning.
Educator Tip Sheet – STEAM Resources for Distance Learning [PDF] | If current events are forcing your academic institution to quickly adapt all your faculty and students to online learning, here are some FREE resources courtesy of STS Education to help with creating content and accessing unique online learning resources, particularly around STEAM. Click on the logos within the page to access their websites.
Distance Learning with PBS LearningMedia | As you plan for a variety of scenarios in response to the global COVID-19 health crisis, we wanted to share a few tips, tricks, and resources you can use to support distance learning.
Virus Information and Prevention | What are viruses and how do they spread? Find resources for students of all ages that explore the nature of viruses, how they are transmitted, and the healthy habits we can all engage in to prevent their spread. PBS LearningMedia has a collection of resources organized by grade.
Keep Calm and Carry On with INFOHIO! | INFOhio has easy lessons for distance learning. Prepare for remote learning with resources, lessons, and more that all Ohio PreK-12 schools can use. Your students can keep calm, carry on, and keep learning with INFOhio!
Online and Remote Learning | 38 page compilation of online resources for ALL content areas and Google tips for teachers- created by Midwestern County ESC
Resource-opoly | More resources for content area teachers - created by Brown County ESC
Ohio Math Teachers Online Community | Link to register Ohio math teachers that wish to be included in this online community, sponsored by OCTM
STEM Streaming | To support virtual education and distance learning, The PAST Foundation created STEMStreaming, a wealth of teacher and parent resources that can help you get started. These PAST-developed resources have been used by thousands across the world. They offer three types of resources: Webinars for Educators; Podcasts for Everyone, and STEM Activities at Home.
Virtual Learning for Educators, Students & Families | Join this community for free virtual learning offered daily. Topics include Mindfulness Strategies for Adult & Student Wellness, Leveraging SEL at Home, Supporting SEL in your Context, and Building Connectedness and Belonging for Students While School Buildings are Closed.
Links for Kids and Families
- Families can utilize the resources from the Digital Wellness Project to ensure students are staying safe during this period of extended technology use
- NPR created this comic just for kids to help explain the new corona virus
- Collections of resources from PBS & NPR member stations (each contain links for videos, games & more)
- These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can take on Your Couch | There is a way to get a little culture and education while you’re confined to your home. Now, you get to “go to the museum” and never have to leave your couch. Visit website.