What do Star Wars and project management have in common? You may think very little. However, if you talk to Dr. Joshua Montgomery, you'll find that these two topics are truly synergistic like C-3PO and R2-D2. In this week's episode of The Everyday PM Podcast, I welcome Dr. Joshua Montgomery, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southern State Community College, to teach us just how Star Wars droids are changing the way that students are taught project-based learning.   

Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge (PBLWorks, n.d.). In one of Dr. Montgomery's classes, students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a product, or in the case of Dr. Montgomery's class perhaps a droid, to present to an audience. Students can spend weeks, if not months, building a droid (or other project of their choice). This involves planning and executing the project using a project plan that the student has created. Ensuring the proper budget is available and resources acquired. All the while, ensuring milestones are met to have a project to present by the end of the semester (or however long it may take). Through this experience, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project based learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers alike.   

Why is project based learning impactful? Have you taken a course that utilized project based learning? Want to know more about Dr. Montgomery's course or cool droids? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!  

Reference:  PBLWorks (n.d.). What is PBL? (Online post: https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl)  

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Follow Our Hosts on LinkedIn: 

Ann Campea, MSPM, MPH, PMP  | Worldwide Readiness Program Manager, Apple, Inc. | Program/Project management professional with 10 years of experience in product development, physical retail launches, health care, and tech industries.   

Dr. Joshua Montgomery  | Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southern State Community College | Associate Professor of Computer Science at Southern State Community, eSports Director, Division Coordinator, Faculty Senate President, R2-D2 & BB-8 Droid Builder, Inventor, TEDxDayton Speaker, Father, Husband and Lifelong Learner.   

More ways to follow Dr. Montgomery: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmontgomery45123/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/montgomery45123

TedTalk: https://youtu.be/q-UAwTMERBg