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Best Practices in Project-Based Learning

Educators are increasingly challenged to offer students access to, and depth of instruction on, complex digital technologies in their degree offerings. Although these courses already exist, significant challenges remain for educators to offer cutting-edge online instruction in educational technology programs in ways that have real-life relevance for students. Students are often asked to turn to independent learning through online video tutorials and other resources to close the technology learning gaps that exist within these programs. This chapter explores how a curriculum that prioritizes significant learning through the application of project-based learning and design-based thinking can be used to teach online instructional technology courses. Included are examples from courses in mobile learning, game-based learning, and instructional systems design to illustrate these approaches. Complexities associated with this process are highlighted and strategies are suggested to help instructors create learning experiences that are challenging and professionally relevant to students.