Defined Learning for Project-Based Instruction: Interview with CEO and Partner
In this episode of the educators 2 educators Podcast, host Carrie Conover talks with Joel Jacobson, CEO and partner at Defined Learning. Defined Learning is an EdTech company that provides high-quality, project-based learning for students. Their mission is to drive student engagement and achievement through real-world project-based learning that builds future-ready skills.
Jacobson discusses the story of Defined Learning, which began in 2009 as a video-based service helping students make the connection from the classroom to the real world. As they grew and people were using their videos, they began receiving requests to create more of a project-based path. They built a series of project-based performance tasks correlated to all state and national standards, and they now have almost 800 tasks in their library.
Defined Learning also offers Defined Careers, a career exploration platform designed to help students experience different careers and see where they fit in the world. Jacobson discusses how Defined Careers is being utilized in schools and how it is helping students narrow down their choices based on their career experiences and abilities.
Jacobson also talks about Defined Learning's future plans, including expanding their offerings for parents and creating a stronger connection between parents and students. He also participates in a fun rapid-fire question session with host Conover.
Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the benefits of project-based learning and career exploration for students.
You’ll Learn:
How to engage students with project-based, real-world content
How Defined Learning has evolved into an engaging instructional tool
How you can support students in exploring new career opportunities
How you can get started with Defined Learning today
A Look Into the Episode…
[03:13] Explore the history of Defined Learning and how it has evolved into the project-based instructional tool it is today.
[07:59] How you can use Defined Careers with your students to explore career options.
[11:50] Joel explains how teachers can begin working with Defined Learning today.
[12:40] A success story of Defined Learning from Tulsa, Oklahoma from 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
[16:15] Carrie and Joel do a rapid fire question segment to get to know the CEO behind Defined Learning.
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Links Mentioned in the Episode
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