Problem Based Learning - Technology Integration - Web 2.0....All Intertwined!

Problem Based Learning, Technology Integration and Web 2.0 Applications are certainly, or should be, intertwined. According to Egbert, the definition of Problem Based Learning involves critical thinking, problem-solving skills and inquiry as students explore real life problems. With the digital natives we are dealing with today, technology integration must play an important role in order for the students to relate to real world problems. With this comes Web 2.0 Applications. These are simply the tools that can be used to draw the students into the learning process by allowing them to use the resources that are interesting and familiar.


There is certainly an added value to use PBL to support technology integration in the classroom. In Problem Based Learning, students must ask questions and find the answers in order to solve the problems. Technology integration offers these students avenues to develop the questions and locate the information necessary to solving the problems. There are so many resources available to teachers and students that involve creative technologies.


Obviously, Web 2.0 Applications support technology integration in the classroom. If these applications are being used, technology is being integrated. Blogging, Wikis and social networks are just a few of the Web 2.0 applications that are available for students to use their inquiry skills to develop questions and locate information in order to evaluate it. Egbert states, “The traditional role of teaches as information givers is changing.”


Web 2.0 Applications can be used to support Problem Based Learning. It moves us from traditional learning goals to more creative goals that assess critical thinking skills. According to Egbert, there are 7 steps to plan a PBL task. These are: Contextualize the question, develop objectives, review background, write the problem, develop scaffolds, evaluate student needs and implement. Web 2.0 Applications can be used in many of these steps.

Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.