Welcome to PBI

Posted on: Sunday, December 15, 2013 3:32:16 PM CST

Welcome to Problem Based Instruction. This methodology is one that I fully embrace as a means of helping students learn about science. PBI or sometimes referred to as Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a highly constructivist teaching method. It works really well to develop students' thinking and undertaking problems in science in the same way as practicing scientists. Over the years, many of us participated in didactic instructional methods and for some this was and still is the preferred. The reason is that teachers provide information, activities, assess, and reteach the facts, principles, and theories. The tests are diagnostic, formative, and summative in nature and are given in a paper/pencil format.

We'll begin the study of PBI by reading and discussing articles. Although the class is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. that's not going to be possible. We'll do much of the work through the use of technology. Google has several applications that will allow for us to do this. We'll need to speak, share, and contribute individually and as a group. The group includes each one of you and at this point you should have been asked to obtain a Gmail account. This is the primary student to instructor communication method.

From here we'll need to speak either as individuals or as a group by using Google Hangout. Google Hangouts is a Google tool which allows for us to see each other, for me to share our computer screens. It is accessible through PC or Mac, Smart Phone (IOS or Android), Tablets (IOS or Android or other).

Your products will be shared through other Google Products like Google Drive, Chat, and Youtube.

I would like to set up a meeting time for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Is it possible for you to join me in a Google Hangout. I'll post some websites that I want for you to visit before the meeting. 

1. Start with installing the plug-in.   Follow this link: https://www.google.com/tools/dlpage/hangoutplugin
2. Learn about Google Plus and Google Hangouts.   Follow this link: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/
3. Although I'll start the Google Hangout Call read more about it so that you can use it to speak among yourselves. Follow this link: https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3110347?hl=en
4. Learn about Google "On Air".  Follow this link: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html

Some of these links repeat the same information, but I've learned from different interpretations, so it's worth doing it.

Again, welcome!  Please let me know if 4:00 p.m. tomorrow will work. I'll follow with more information about the course. The syllabus will be posted, but we're going to work on the calendar together. I'll be sending an e-mail to your Gmail address and ask you to do some more tasks there.

Dr. Ramirez