I most recently coordinated the Kidlink Landmarks 2009 Project,  and coordinated the Monster Project earlier this year.   I also teach online classes at the high school level to high school students in Taiwan, and to university students in the USA.The chart below shows more projects.

Video/Podcast:

Learning Centers |  Newspaper |   Video Conferencing |  Monster Movies | Playground Perimeter | Our City Podcast |Vegemite from Australia

 

 Project Based Learning

Standardized Testing Pressure?
I blend in objectives. Web quests for example have section for stating what standards are being addressed. I do the same with the Monster Project, Landmarks, Journey North, etc. It is not hard to name the objectives being "covered" in projects for administrators who are nervous and focused on testing. I don't use my technology for test practice but I do locate sites that are within the objectives on my state curriculum. I try to stay aware of the scope of whatever might be coming at my kids on standardized tests, which means that I do not teach to the test, but my kids generally do very well - up to their current capacities.

 

Safety of Sites for Kids?
I protect the kids at all times. My district does not have overly strict guidelines, but I make sure that kids are not identified beyond first names. In Classblogmeister the kids are known as Allison-L, Kalin-M, and so forth. I monitor all kid activity and make sure they are not jumping off to any objectionable links.

Classroom Management?
Planning, planning, planning and more planning. Kids love projects and kids love to be kids, so it's really easy (as you know) for kids to get off task, which can lead to pandemonium if not directed properly. I use teams/groups whenever possible. I explain and re-explain projects until I'm sure kids have an idea what is going to happen. Once kids become accustomed to the freedom and responsibility of doing projects, they learn more about how to manage themselves.


Where Does My Equipment Come From?
I use my own digital camera and do most of my DVD and video work at home. I have acquired 9 computers running XP and Windows 98, also a couple of Macs not on the network. I have two open IP addresses, unblocked by district software, the other computers are blocked. This allows me to download whatever I need to upgrade and experiment, as well as to be able to do video conferencing with Skype and Sightspeed. I have four headsets with microphones for podcasting. I use my own video camera in the classroom.