Beyond Four Walls: Enhancing Project-Based Education Through VoiceThread
Jody L Lawrence
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Abstract
Using design education as a model for project-based learning, this presentation shares how we integrated VoiceThread into a traditional design studio to promote the fluid exchange of ideas in an online environment. During this session, you’ll learn how the asynchronous attributes of VoiceThread enhance the teacher and learner experience by streamlining communication outside of class, providing an online alternative to assessment, facilitating discussions about visually-rich content, and enabling critiques from professionals worldwide. Attendees will learn about the features of this technology, and how to use it to facilitate quality feedback necessary for project development. This online resource is presented as an effective tool that could enhance any course.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will:
- Understand the benefits of integrating online, asynchronous feedback into an in-person, project-based course
- Learn about the features of VoiceThread, and how to implement the program into an online or in-person course to enhance teaching and learning
- Develop a broader understanding of problem-based and design learning in an online context.
Author Biography
Jody L Lawrence, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Jody Lawrence is a Doctoral Student and Design Instructor at the University of Minnesota. She has a background in architecture, school planning, design instruction, creative problem solving, and K-12 teaching. Her work includes exploring how online technology enhances traditional design education.
