Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists.

In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff speaks with educator, coach, and co-author of the new book “Environment Science for Grades 6-12” from ISTE Books, James Fester.

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In This Episode ...

What is Project Based Learning?

What isn’t Project Based Learning?


The difference between focusing on the End Point and the Journey
The Importance of Authentic Learning
Shifting to a “Learner-Centered” Environment
PBL and Distance Learning
Understanding how to create a Call to Action
Getting Started with Project Based Learning

What is the role of the coach in this process?


Advice for Coaches in the 2021-22 School Year

Be willing to jump in along with your teachers!

Let them know that they are not alone


Give Grace and recognize that sometimes no matter how brilliant an idea is … if it’s not the right time … it’s just not the right time. Don’t give up on it.
Ask Questions to your teachers

What’s on your mind?
What is challenging you!





About our Guests
James Fester
James Fester is a teacher, educational consultant and instructional coach who helps teachers harness the power of authentic, experiential, technology-infused approaches to classroom instruction. He works as a project-based learning consultant for PBLWorks, the industry leader in providing high-quality professional development for teachers and schools. Additionally, he has collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic, Google, and the National Park Service on educational initiatives. His writing has been featured on well-known educational sites such as Getting Smart, TEDex, Edutopia, and KQED.

Links of Interest

https://www.festeredu.com/
@saintfester

Jorge Valenzuela
Jorge Valenzuela is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined. Jorge's extensive experience as a facilitator of professional development has taken him all over the country where he regularly works with teachers to develop their project-based learning knowledge integrated with STEM and SEL. His book Rev Up Robotics and its companion jump start guide Ready, Set, Robotics! are available from ISTE, and his next book, which explores his Equity and SEL Integration Framework, is forthcoming from Solution Tree.
Links of Interest

https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/
@jorgedoesPBL
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