Educurious (with LMS)

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered method of teaching based around inquiry and 21st-century skills. One of the main goals of PBL is to make learning meaningful for students by striving to meet concrete outcomes they can easily connect to their lives. Through an online platform, Educurious offers PBL curricula for high school students in both ELA and biology. Additionally, Educurious offers professional development for teachers, as well as access to a network of experts who can assist and mentor students. In addition to the courses that are provided, teachers are encouraged to adapt their own content and even create their own units and courses over time. Participation in Educurious' courses requires access through an LMS like Canvas or Schoology. (For the purposes of this review, Educurious was accessed through Canvas.)

Courses are designed to cover a year's worth of content and support high-quality blended learning through a combination of strategies. At any point in the process, students might collaborate during hands-on group work, conduct research using quality online sources, or reach beyond the classroom's confines using various Web 2.0 and social media tools. Each course is divided into multiple units that center on teen-friendly essential questions like "How can we use art as a voice for social and personal change?" and "How do you get people to listen to your opinion on topics that matter to you?"

Full Disclosure: Educurious and Common Sense Education share a funder; however, that relationship does not impact Common Sense Education's editorial independence and this learning rating.

For teachers who don't have the time or resources to design their own PBL courses from scratch, Educurious can be a great way to provide this type of dynamic learning experience in a neatly packaged yet customizable way. The program provides a rich set of materials, including Common Core-aligned content, vetted online resources, and professional development for teachers, as well as access to a community of experts for guidance and collaboration.

All of Educurious' units feature a specific culminating project, like a documentary film or podcast. Throughout, students receive mentorship from an assigned expert, use multimedia tools, and collaborate through online discussion, peer review, and in-class group work. Along the way, students get a bit of practice with critical thinking, communication, and creativity. What's more, content is designed with both teens' interests and 21st-century skills in mind. The program's support for overall instruction and implementation is thorough, but might offer more specific tools to support learning for ELL and special education students. There are audio versions for a limited number of texts (with more reportedly on the way) and some suggested accommodations (like using a text below grade level), but teachers may wish for some more help in this area.