Much “project” work does not move beyond gathering information. In order to engage higher-order thinking skills and transformative thinking, it is important to set a challenge that clearly refers to tasks that will require processing the information gathered. For information to be transformed (as opposed to transferred by copying and pasting) the learners need to take data/information/ideas, process them and create their own ideas or come to their own conclusions. This is knowledge building.

By using a suitable tool, the processing of data and information will naturally emerge from the gathering activities, e.g. a mindmap becomes an outline, a survey becomes spreadsheet data which can be queried, represented graphically and analysed. There are many technology tools for processing information. It is important to assess the potential for technology to enhance the various activities of the processing phase.

Learning Objectives:

Once you successfully complete the lesson you will be able to:

• Analyse existing projects and recognise examples of sound principles, best practice and practical ideas for your own practice;
• Plan a WebQuest or similarly structured project;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a WebQuest or similarly structured project;
• Select appropriate digital resources which are useful for teachers preparing and learners working on projects.