Abstract
- Recently adopted 21st Century goals stress the importance of preparing students for a globally competitive society by providing them with opportunities to develop skills in global literacy, problem solving, innovation, and creativity. The Using Squeak to infuse Information Technology (USeIT) project is supporting these goals by working with teachers and their students to blend computer-based modeling and problem-based learning (PBL). This paper introduces basic elements of the Squeak E-Toys authoring environment and PBL. Traditional approaches to teaching geometric concepts are reviewed and PBL approaches are introduced. A USeIT teacherdeveloped lesson and student Squeak model are shared to demonstrate how the blending of Squeak and PBL promotes problem-solving and understanding. Students have used Squeak software to develop STEM content knowledge and problem solving skills, in addition to demonstrating algorithmic and artistic creativity. This instructional approach has started to prepare them for success in the 21st Century.