BP4_INTERROBANG

InterroBang is a website that makes a game out of Challenge-Based Learning. There are two different user options; one for teachers and one for students. However, both types of user can attempt to complete any of the provided challenges. Each challenge has 4 steps.

This was my challenge!

1.     Accept the Challenge:

There are hundreds of challenges that with different point values. Challenges address themes like creativity, culture, science, and service learning. Teachers can also create their own challenges. The more difficult the challenge the more points you can earn.

Since it was the weekend I didn't
have any collaborators to
work with.

2.    Review the Project Requirements and Assemble a Team.

Students can choose their teammates and review a rubric outlining the project requirements.

3.     Complete the Challenge

Students can print out the project requirements then attempt to complete the challenge.

This is the start of my nature hike

A photo of an aspen tree on my hike.

Research about aspen trees

4.     Post your completed challenge on the site.

Students are asked to document their process through out and post evidence to the InterroBang website. Most challenges have a photo or video component built into the project. This gets digital tools into the hands of students and provides them with direction for using them appropriately.

Once you have uploaded your content you must wait for it to be reviewed by a mentor. If the mentor feels the project is not completed according to the rubric they will request revisions before the project gets posted to the site, points are awarded to the students, and it appears in their ‘Deeds’.

 As students earn points the also earn ‘badges.’ Badges are also awarded for inclusion of different elements in a project like scientific process, or a piece of fine art. The points and badges create a game-like feedback loop in which students are always trying to reach higher levels or acquire more badges.

This website seems really powerful as it engages students in challenge/project-based learning activities, while simultaneously developing digital literacy. The large variety of activities should make it easy to find projects that align with a variety of curriculums and content standards. Plus it is a virtual gold mine for teachers that are looking for engaging activities for their students. The reason I like this one in particular is that many of the projects incorporate video. I can see tapping into this source often to keep my curriculum fresh, and help students draw connections to other subject areas.

Check it out, try it out in your classrooms, and post your experience back here.