PBL Ohio Institute FAQ
Quick Info:
- The 2020 PBL Ohio Institute has moved ONLINE.
- The 3-day Institute runs 8:00am-3:00pm, Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31, 2020.
- The pre-conference Project Slice runs 8:00am-3:00pm, July 28, 2020.
- Graduate credit is offered through Otterbein University for an additional fee. Click here to view the graduate credit form.
CAMPUS MAP
Click to view a map of Otterbein University. Roush Hall is #32, and DeVore Hall is #55 on the map. Available parking lots are designated with blue circles on the map. Please plan to arrive early each day of the Institute, and be prepared to walk two or more blocks from your car to Roush Hall, based upon your parking location. BECAUSE THERE IS LIMITED PARKING, WE SUGGEST CARPOOLING TO CAMPUS EACH DAY. |
The Westerville Chamber of Commerce is a terrific resource for lodging, restaurants and shopping.
2019 Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Community Guide - View Here Where to Eat: Click Here Where to Shop: Click Here Where to Stay: Click Her |
Q: Can you recommend a hotel?
PBL Ohio Institute has not selected a host hotel, nor have we reserved any blocks of rooms. We recommend staying at a hotel in the Westerville/Polaris area. A limited number of dormitory room reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Do I need a car to get around in Central Ohio?
A: If you are flying into the area, we strongly recommend staying at a Westerville/Polaris-area hotel. You may choose to rent a car or utilize a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft, et al) to and from local hotels. Central Ohio is home to many unique attractions. We also highly recommend you extend your stay to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore the area.
Q.: How do I register?
A.: Please visit our Registration and Workshop Descriptions page, and click the PBL button of the program you are interested in attending. We are able to accept payment by credit card, purchase order or check.
Q.: Can I pay by credit card?
A.: Yes. Registrants paying by credit card will receive instant registration notification and payment receipt via email.
Q.: Can I pay by purchase order or check?
A.: Yes. At the end of the registration process you will be prompted to enter either your credit card information, check number or purchase order number. Please Note: All registrants located outside the United States and its territories must pay by credit card.
You may complete your registration without a check or purchase order number in place. Simply type 'forthcoming' in the Purchase Order or Check text field. Please Note: your registration is not guaranteed until we receive either a check or purchase order number. If we do not receive your check or purchase order within 21 days of your registration, PBLMatters reserves the right to cancel your 2020 PBL Ohio Institute enrollment.
For additional registration questions, please contact Rob Engel at rengel@fairfieldesc.org or 740.653.3193 ext. 5270
Q.: What is the address of the PBL Ohio Institute?
A.: The PBLWorks Ohio Institute will be held at Otterbein University, Roush Hall, 27 S. Grove St, Westerville, OH 43081
Click for Google Maps directions.
Q: How much does registration cost?
A: The three-day PBL Ohio Institute (July 29-31) is $810 per person.
The pre-conference Project Slice (July 28) is $2575 per person.
If you attend both the Project Slice and the PBLWorks Ohio Institute, the cost is $1075 per person.
Q: Can I register onsite, on the first day of the conference?
A: Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate onsite registrations.
Q: What do I need to check-in and pick up my badge?
A: Please bring one form of state-issued ID on the first day of the Institute, in order to pick up your badge.
Q: What payment options are available and where can I find vendor information?
A: Payment options are as follows:
Registrants from the U.S.:
To make the Fairfield County Educational Service Center a vendor, please download a copy of our W-9.
Q: What is the refund policy for the 2020 PBL Ohio Institute?
A: Our refund policy is as follows:
Q: Is Graduate Credit offered?
A: Yes! PBL Ohio Institute attendees are eligible for either one or two hours of graduate credit from Otterbein University.
Two Hour Option: Attend both Project Slice (July 28) and the 3-day conference (July 29-31) for an additional fee.
One Hour Option: Attend the 3-day conference (July 29-31) for an additional fee.
No assignment is required for either graduate credit offering.
Otterbein University is offering the following graduate credit options:
Q: Will I receive continuing education credits/units for my workshop?
A: Participants who complete all three days of their workshop are awarded 18 contact hours, and will be provided a signed certificate of completion from their facilitator on the last day of the Institute--Friday, July 31. Please contact your LPDC to convert contact hours into CEUs.
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A: PBL Ohio Institute is held at Roush Hall on the campus of Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.
We recommend John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 11.7 miles (14 minutes) from Otterbein University | Map
A large selection of rental car companies are available within the airport terminal.
Q: Is there a host hotel, or a recommended hotel for the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: PBL Ohio Institute has not selected a host hotel, nor have we reserved any blocks of rooms. We recommend staying at a hotel in the Westerville/Polaris area. A limited number of dormitory room reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Who should attend the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: Teachers, curriculum specialists, school and district administrators, instructional coaches, teacher preparation faculty and candidates in teacher education programs will all benefit from the workshops, academies, and sessions offered at the PBL Ohio Institute.
Q: How is the PBL Ohio Institute different from other education conferences?
A: The PBL Ohio Institute is the midwest's premier conference for Project Based Learning. Each year, we bring together dedicated PK-16 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders who want to connect with each other and learn more about PBL. It's not like other conferences that have a variety of short sessions by many different presenters—it's an institute, where participants go through a continuous multi-day experience. We believe PBL transforms students - and the PBL Ohio Institute transforms educators!
Q: Who hosts the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: The PBL Ohio Institute is hosted by PBLMatters, with support from PBLWorks.
The Fairfield County Educational Service Center (FCESC) is the fiscal agent for PBL Ohio Institute. Click here to download our W-9.
Q: What local attractions can I visit?
A: Central Ohio is home to the top-ranked Columbus Zoo and Center of Science and Industry (COSI), great for the young and young-at-heart. If shopping is your thing, be sure to walk around Easton Town Center. The Short North Arts District offers fantastic art galleries, top-notch restaurants and people-watching. Be sure to visit our Location & Attractions page for ideas on what to do.
Q: Is there parking onsite?
A: Yes, parking will be available at various lots across campus. Please plan to arrive early each day of the Institute, and be prepared to walk two or more blocks from your car to Roush Hall, based upon your parking location. Click to view campus map.
Directions to Otterbein University may be found on Google Maps.
BECAUSE THERE IS LIMITED PARKING, WE SUGGEST CARPOOLING TO CAMPUS EACH DAY.
Q: What do I need to know if I'm coming from outside the U.S.?
A: Participants coming from outside the U.S. please note the following:
Q: What should I bring to my workshop?
A: We recommend that you bring a WiFi-enabled laptop/device. Internet access will be available throughout the campus.
You may be contacted by your instructor with additional requirements for your workshop. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for the air-conditioned buildings, and a small umbrella will help if it rains. If you have secured a dormitory room reservation, please remember to bring your own pillow.
Q: Will there be WiFi access?
A: WiFi will be available throughout Roush Hall on the Otterbein University campus.
Q: Can I substitute my other PBL training for the BIE PBL 101 Workshop prerequisite?
A: Due to the scaffolding nature of the PBL 201 and Coaching workshops, participants must have attended a PBL 101 workshop offered by PBLWorks (formerly BIE) to be eligible to register. Having familiarity with the PBLWorks approach, resources and tools will be necessary for optimal success in this workshop. These workshops are intended to build upon learning from the PBLWorks PBL 101. Attendance of training sessions/workshops conducted by other organizations will not be considered sufficient as a prerequisite.
Educational leaders may attend the PBL Leadership workshop without attending PBL 101 as a prerequisite.
Q: I have several years of PBL experience; do I still need the PBLWorks (formerly BIE) PBL 101 Workshop prerequisite?
A: Due to the scaffolding nature of the PBL 201 and Coaching workshops, participants must have attended a PBL 101 workshop offered by PBLWorks (formerly BIE) to be eligible to register. Having familiarity with the PBLWorks approach, resources and tools will be necessary for optimal success in this workshop. These workshops are intended to build upon learning from the PBLWorks PBL 101. Attendance of training sessions/workshops conducted by other organizations will not be considered sufficient as a prerequisite.
Educational leaders may attend the PBL Leadership workshop without attending PBL 101 as a prerequisite.
Q: What food options are available at the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: A variety of boxed lunches, including vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options, will be available each day for lunch.
We suggest that participants eat a substantial breakfast before coming to the conference location. Please bring additional snacks to stay energized throughout the day. There are no food-for-purchase options on the building grounds.
While we do our best to accommodate all of our participants' dietary needs, we are unable to guarantee that the foods served at the PBL Ohio Institute are allergen free. If you have a severe allergy or dietary restriction, we recommend that you bring your own food each day.
Q: How can I let you know about my accessibility needs?
A: If you have an accessibility need due to a disability, injury, or special circumstance, please contact Rob Engel by Friday, July 10, 2020. Otterbein University is fully ADA-compliant.
Q: What is the weather like in Central Ohio?
A: Locals will tell you that if you don’t like the weather in Columbus, wait five minutes. Typical weather in late July is hot and humid during the day (87*F average), and cooler at night (averaging 68*F). We suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater with you during your time at the Institute.
Tune in to these social media options for continued announcements and updates
PBL Ohio Institute has not selected a host hotel, nor have we reserved any blocks of rooms. We recommend staying at a hotel in the Westerville/Polaris area. A limited number of dormitory room reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Do I need a car to get around in Central Ohio?
A: If you are flying into the area, we strongly recommend staying at a Westerville/Polaris-area hotel. You may choose to rent a car or utilize a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft, et al) to and from local hotels. Central Ohio is home to many unique attractions. We also highly recommend you extend your stay to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore the area.
Q.: How do I register?
A.: Please visit our Registration and Workshop Descriptions page, and click the PBL button of the program you are interested in attending. We are able to accept payment by credit card, purchase order or check.
Q.: Can I pay by credit card?
A.: Yes. Registrants paying by credit card will receive instant registration notification and payment receipt via email.
Q.: Can I pay by purchase order or check?
A.: Yes. At the end of the registration process you will be prompted to enter either your credit card information, check number or purchase order number. Please Note: All registrants located outside the United States and its territories must pay by credit card.
You may complete your registration without a check or purchase order number in place. Simply type 'forthcoming' in the Purchase Order or Check text field. Please Note: your registration is not guaranteed until we receive either a check or purchase order number. If we do not receive your check or purchase order within 21 days of your registration, PBLMatters reserves the right to cancel your 2020 PBL Ohio Institute enrollment.
For additional registration questions, please contact Rob Engel at rengel@fairfieldesc.org or 740.653.3193 ext. 5270
Q.: What is the address of the PBL Ohio Institute?
A.: The PBLWorks Ohio Institute will be held at Otterbein University, Roush Hall, 27 S. Grove St, Westerville, OH 43081
Click for Google Maps directions.
Q: How much does registration cost?
A: The three-day PBL Ohio Institute (July 29-31) is $810 per person.
The pre-conference Project Slice (July 28) is $2575 per person.
If you attend both the Project Slice and the PBLWorks Ohio Institute, the cost is $1075 per person.
Q: Can I register onsite, on the first day of the conference?
A: Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate onsite registrations.
Q: What do I need to check-in and pick up my badge?
A: Please bring one form of state-issued ID on the first day of the Institute, in order to pick up your badge.
Q: What payment options are available and where can I find vendor information?
A: Payment options are as follows:
Registrants from the U.S.:
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover are the only form of payment accepted for immediate registration online.
- Purchase orders and checks are accepted. Checks and purchase orders should be made payable to:
- Fairfield County ESC, 955 Liberty Drive, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
- Checks and purchase orders must be received within 21 days of registration and no later than July 10, 2020.
- Please email organization POs to Rob Engel at rengel@fairfieldesc.org
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are the only form of payment accepted for immediate registration online.
- Purchase orders are not accepted.
To make the Fairfield County Educational Service Center a vendor, please download a copy of our W-9.
Q: What is the refund policy for the 2020 PBL Ohio Institute?
A: Our refund policy is as follows:
- The following cancellation fees will be charged if registrant cancels by May 26, 2020:
- $25 cancellation fee: July 28 Project Slice registration
- $50 cancellation fee: 3-day PBL Ohio Institute registration
- $75 cancellation fee: 4-day Project Slice + PBL Ohio Institute registration
- 50% cancellation fee will be charged if registrant cancels between May 27 and June 26, 2020
- 100% cancellation fee will be charged if registrant cancels after June 26, 2020
- All refunds will be issued by check
- PBL Ohio Institute does not award payment credit towards future services or events
Q: Is Graduate Credit offered?
A: Yes! PBL Ohio Institute attendees are eligible for either one or two hours of graduate credit from Otterbein University.
Two Hour Option: Attend both Project Slice (July 28) and the 3-day conference (July 29-31) for an additional fee.
One Hour Option: Attend the 3-day conference (July 29-31) for an additional fee.
No assignment is required for either graduate credit offering.
Otterbein University is offering the following graduate credit options:
- 1-hour graduate credit option for $200
- Requirement: Attending any 3-day PBL workshop at the PBL Ohio Institute.
- No additional assignment required.
- 2-hour graduate credit option for $400
- Requirement: Attending the Project Slice in combination with any 3-day PBL workshop at the PBL Ohio Institute.
- No additional assignment required.
Q: Will I receive continuing education credits/units for my workshop?
A: Participants who complete all three days of their workshop are awarded 18 contact hours, and will be provided a signed certificate of completion from their facilitator on the last day of the Institute--Friday, July 31. Please contact your LPDC to convert contact hours into CEUs.
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A: PBL Ohio Institute is held at Roush Hall on the campus of Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.
We recommend John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 11.7 miles (14 minutes) from Otterbein University | Map
A large selection of rental car companies are available within the airport terminal.
Q: Is there a host hotel, or a recommended hotel for the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: PBL Ohio Institute has not selected a host hotel, nor have we reserved any blocks of rooms. We recommend staying at a hotel in the Westerville/Polaris area. A limited number of dormitory room reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Who should attend the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: Teachers, curriculum specialists, school and district administrators, instructional coaches, teacher preparation faculty and candidates in teacher education programs will all benefit from the workshops, academies, and sessions offered at the PBL Ohio Institute.
Q: How is the PBL Ohio Institute different from other education conferences?
A: The PBL Ohio Institute is the midwest's premier conference for Project Based Learning. Each year, we bring together dedicated PK-16 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders who want to connect with each other and learn more about PBL. It's not like other conferences that have a variety of short sessions by many different presenters—it's an institute, where participants go through a continuous multi-day experience. We believe PBL transforms students - and the PBL Ohio Institute transforms educators!
Q: Who hosts the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: The PBL Ohio Institute is hosted by PBLMatters, with support from PBLWorks.
The Fairfield County Educational Service Center (FCESC) is the fiscal agent for PBL Ohio Institute. Click here to download our W-9.
Q: What local attractions can I visit?
A: Central Ohio is home to the top-ranked Columbus Zoo and Center of Science and Industry (COSI), great for the young and young-at-heart. If shopping is your thing, be sure to walk around Easton Town Center. The Short North Arts District offers fantastic art galleries, top-notch restaurants and people-watching. Be sure to visit our Location & Attractions page for ideas on what to do.
Q: Is there parking onsite?
A: Yes, parking will be available at various lots across campus. Please plan to arrive early each day of the Institute, and be prepared to walk two or more blocks from your car to Roush Hall, based upon your parking location. Click to view campus map.
Directions to Otterbein University may be found on Google Maps.
BECAUSE THERE IS LIMITED PARKING, WE SUGGEST CARPOOLING TO CAMPUS EACH DAY.
Q: What do I need to know if I'm coming from outside the U.S.?
A: Participants coming from outside the U.S. please note the following:
- The PBL Ohio Institute does not provide letters of invitation for visa or payment purposes.
- Consulates in some countries can take several weeks to issue visas, so apply early.
- Our refund policy applies to all cancellation requests, including those made because of visa denials.
Q: What should I bring to my workshop?
A: We recommend that you bring a WiFi-enabled laptop/device. Internet access will be available throughout the campus.
You may be contacted by your instructor with additional requirements for your workshop. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for the air-conditioned buildings, and a small umbrella will help if it rains. If you have secured a dormitory room reservation, please remember to bring your own pillow.
Q: Will there be WiFi access?
A: WiFi will be available throughout Roush Hall on the Otterbein University campus.
Q: Can I substitute my other PBL training for the BIE PBL 101 Workshop prerequisite?
A: Due to the scaffolding nature of the PBL 201 and Coaching workshops, participants must have attended a PBL 101 workshop offered by PBLWorks (formerly BIE) to be eligible to register. Having familiarity with the PBLWorks approach, resources and tools will be necessary for optimal success in this workshop. These workshops are intended to build upon learning from the PBLWorks PBL 101. Attendance of training sessions/workshops conducted by other organizations will not be considered sufficient as a prerequisite.
Educational leaders may attend the PBL Leadership workshop without attending PBL 101 as a prerequisite.
Q: I have several years of PBL experience; do I still need the PBLWorks (formerly BIE) PBL 101 Workshop prerequisite?
A: Due to the scaffolding nature of the PBL 201 and Coaching workshops, participants must have attended a PBL 101 workshop offered by PBLWorks (formerly BIE) to be eligible to register. Having familiarity with the PBLWorks approach, resources and tools will be necessary for optimal success in this workshop. These workshops are intended to build upon learning from the PBLWorks PBL 101. Attendance of training sessions/workshops conducted by other organizations will not be considered sufficient as a prerequisite.
Educational leaders may attend the PBL Leadership workshop without attending PBL 101 as a prerequisite.
Q: What food options are available at the PBL Ohio Institute?
A: A variety of boxed lunches, including vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options, will be available each day for lunch.
We suggest that participants eat a substantial breakfast before coming to the conference location. Please bring additional snacks to stay energized throughout the day. There are no food-for-purchase options on the building grounds.
While we do our best to accommodate all of our participants' dietary needs, we are unable to guarantee that the foods served at the PBL Ohio Institute are allergen free. If you have a severe allergy or dietary restriction, we recommend that you bring your own food each day.
Q: How can I let you know about my accessibility needs?
A: If you have an accessibility need due to a disability, injury, or special circumstance, please contact Rob Engel by Friday, July 10, 2020. Otterbein University is fully ADA-compliant.
Q: What is the weather like in Central Ohio?
A: Locals will tell you that if you don’t like the weather in Columbus, wait five minutes. Typical weather in late July is hot and humid during the day (87*F average), and cooler at night (averaging 68*F). We suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater with you during your time at the Institute.
Tune in to these social media options for continued announcements and updates
- Like us on Facebook: PBLMatters
- Website: www.pblmatters.org
- Twitter: #PBLOhio