Moonshots in Education | Esther Wojcicki | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Education advocate Esther Wojcicki discusses the importance of project-based learning and empowering students to take control of their learning.

Transcript

JAMIE CASAP: All right. Welcome everyone. I think we're good to go. My name is Jamie Casap. I'm part of Google for Education team, the global education evangelist. I am joined here today by Woj. ESTHER WOJCICKI: Woj. JAMIE CASAP: Woj. ESTHER WOJCICKI: Woj. JAMIE CASAP: Woj. Ester Wojcicki, who is the-- I want to make sure I get her title right. She... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Project-based learning allows students to take control of their learning and work collaboratively, creating a sense of ownership and engagement.
• 🧑‍🎓 Giving students autonomy and responsibility for their projects can foster a sense of motivation and passion for learning.
• 🤕 Project-based learning can be applied to students of all ages, including younger age groups, and can be tailored to different subject areas.
• 🧑‍🏫 Professional development for teachers should focus on incorporating technology effectively and supporting project-based learning in the classroom.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does project-based learning apply to students in lower socioeconomic areas?

Project-based learning can work in any socio-economic situation, as it gives students control over their learning and allows them to engage with real-world problems.

Q: How can teachers implement project-based learning in their classrooms?

Teachers can start by giving students more autonomy, using technology to support their learning, and promoting collaboration and teamwork.

Q: What role does technology play in project-based learning?

Technology can be a valuable tool in supporting project-based learning, as long as it is integrated and used to enhance the learning experience, rather than replacing it.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Esther Wojcicki emphasizes the need for teachers to relinquish control and give students the freedom to learn through project-based learning.

• She discusses the success of her media arts program at Palo Alto High School, where students produce real publications and learn through collaboration.

• She highlights the importance of motivation and providing autonomy to students in order to create a positive and engaging learning environment.