Challenged Based Learning

I recently attended Google Days 2011 in Minot.  We were introduced to tons of new ways to use Google in the classroom from Google Calendar, Gmail, IGoogle, Search Stories, Docs, Forms, Presentations, Spreadsheets, Advanced Searches, Labs, and Chrome Apps.  Throughout all these HIGHLY informational sessions,  one theme was consistantly recurring in each of the sessions.  The theme was Challenge Based Learning.  It was developed by Apple and a group of teachers to bring student engagement back to the classroom.

What is Challenged Based Learning?  

The Teacher Tube video below illustrates 

 what is looks like and how it is implemented in an elementary classroom.

With instant access to information, students are learning how to manage and personalize it to fit their needs.  Traditional methods of teaching and learning often seem to lack real-world activities and are becoming less engaging and students aren't motivated to achieve.  With easy access to the world and technology, we have new ways of teaching and learning. With collaboration and creativity, students are developing deeper knowledge of content, learning to accept and solve problems, and share in a global discussion about important issues. 
Read more at http://ali.apple.com/cbl/
and
http://web.me.com/mrsmorrow/rise2thechallenge/CBL_Resources.html