I teach 9th-11th grade mathematics, currently algebra 1, geometry and algebra 2. I admit, I had a hard time thinking of web 2.0 tools I’ve personally used in the classroom. I’m looking forward to reading about others’ experiences using different tools and seeing how I can incorporate them into my own classroom.
For the replacement in the RAT model though, I use Braingenie as a way to track student progress on homework. Instead of grading homework for each assignment, students are assigned braingenie skills for each chapter. The skills are due at the end of the unit and students can work at their own pace to complete it. While the website does give students information on how to solve the problems, it is more of a glorified worksheet used for practice.
As for the A, one web 2.0 tool that amplifies classroom productivity is google docs/slides. Rather than having one piece of paper that has to be passed back and forth between students or one document that has to be emailed before changes can be seen, google apps allows collaboration with ease. It is also great for me because I can share a document with the students and update it it in real time if something changes in the classroom.
Finally, Kahoot is one tool that transforms my formative assessments. I use Kahoot as a way to judge how the class comprehends the material as a whole. It gives me visual data and is quick to go through. Students also generally enjoy it and the competition aspect encourages them to try their best. Another thing that comes to find for transformation are gifs. With gifs, students can clearly see how 3D objects unfold to create nets, what a cross section looks like when cut, or how the Pythagorean theorem works.
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteBraingenie looks like an awesome tool! I think that taking students on a bit of tangent line, that is relevant to what you are teaching is good. Too often students get bored with the same style of questions and a brain twister get help keep them engaged
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the tools you use- I think that you do a great job using Web 2.0 tools in your classroom. I'm somewhat unfamiliar with Braingenie- is it just math-based problems and activities? Would they also be appropriate for middle school-level students?
I agree completely with Google Docs/Slides- it has really improved the feedback I can give with my students in class, and allows them to all be involved in a project at the same time. I wonder, at your age range of students, are they more mature with using Docs? For instance, I always run the risk when assigning a group activity that some of my lesser engaged students may use the tool to "rebel" against the instruction and post jokes/screw up partner work as Dr. Siko's infographic discussed this week. Do you have a list of rules you set up or model any expectations before you assign them an activity using Docs or slides?
Keep up the excellent work,
Alan
Braingenie provides math and science based problems. For math they offer first through high school level. For science there is a 6-8th options as well as biology, chemistry and physics. I haven't used it for science so I'm not sure how good the questions are, but I've been liking it for my algebra class. It's completely free. I create an account and my kids each create an account and link it to mine. I can assign them skills and it shows when they completed it and how they did on each skill (whether they answered all five questions correctly or if they had to answer 10 to actually master the skill).
DeleteFor the most part my students are okay with using google Docs. It did make me nervous at first. Every once in a while I have to have a talk with them about the proper way to "collaborate" and that it is school work so whatever you type I can see, but for the most part they're pretty good at self-monitoring each other.
The revision history is a great mechanism to monitor collaboration. You can even be as simple as having students write in a different color on the document (with the final change being to turn it all to black so you don't lose your mind reading).
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ReplyDeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI could have definitely used Braingenie when I was in high school. Being able to practice more on certain skills should help the students to improve. How would you compare using Braingenie to assigning homework with regard to student improvement?
I have to look into Kahoot (never heard of it). It sounds interesting.
Honestly, I don't see that big of a difference in regards to students achievement using Braingenie verses assigning homework. This is my first year using the website and I was hoping for a bit more of an effect, but I do like the data Braingenie provides. I'm able to see when they completed the skill, how many questions it took for them to master it, and how long it took for them. Everything is track-able and customizable so I can assign individual students more or less skills if needed.
DeleteKahoot is awesome! I learned about it last year during my student teaching and love it! I definitely recommend looking into it. The students get to "create" their own name though, so just be cautious when introducing the game. I had to remind one of my classes on what is appropriate in school when we first started the game.
Braingenie sounds like an excellent tool. I am going to look into using that in the future. Alan voiced concerns about setting up rules for students when using Google/Docs slides. He makes a good point.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do have to monitor some classes more than others but I think the benefits are worth it. There definitely has to be rules and expectations put in place though so the students are aware of how they should properly use the tools.
DeleteSabrina,
DeleteI enjoy that you explain not just what you use, but also why the web 2.0 tool is more efficient/effective than low-tech tools.
The contrarian comment was made, however, that Braingenie is a glorified worksheet. I am not sure that I agree with the seemingly dismissive characterization. Even if the program serves the same capacity as a worksheet, there is a shift in intelligence needed to use it properly, as well as a shift in stigma from a student perspective.
You're right Jeremy. There definitely is some benefit to using Braingenie or other similar-type programs rather than just a worksheet. Like I mentioned before, the data collection itself makes it worthwhile for me. Also, like you mentioned, student perspective is also slightly more positive since they can access it online and work at their own pace. It also gives them instant feedback which is fantastic. That's why I classified it as an adaption rather than simply a replacement. When I referred to it as a "worksheet" though, I meant more of the caliber of problems. The type of problems they give the students are similar to what you'd find on a typical worksheet in math.
DeleteIf we were to delve into the framework a bit more (further research by Hughes), she begins to break down each level of RAT for purposes of Learning, Productivity, and Curriculum. Several students in this class (particularly those not in K-12) have discussed tech use not involving student learning. So, Sabrina's and Jeremy's discussion, that it could be considered a digital worksheet, is fine since she's using it for data collection and instantaneous feedback.
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