An online, project based unit to achieve the goals of the 2013 BC education plan

Abstract

The British Columbia Ministry of Education has produced a draft 2013 Education Plan to encourage students to learn and practice 21 century skills and graduate better prepared to enter the workforce in an increasingly technological age. This online, subject integrated, Project based learning unit was developed to provide an example of a pedagogical method to meet the initiatives in this new plan. By using the Project based learning philosophy, students are given more responsibility for their learning and are able to make significant educational choices, while encouraging the development of critical thinking and collaborative skills. The teacher role shifts to guide and mentor, providing students with support, rather than content, creating a learnercentered environment which encourages the development of 21st century skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, self-reliance, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and technical literacy. The unit is located on the BC Learning Network at www.BCLearningNetwork.com. The unit name is Integrated Project Based Learning Unit. To gain access, a free BCLN account must be created using a BC school district email or a viu.ca email.