Relative Advantages
Here is a list of learning problems I have with my second graders followed by a suggested technology tool, the relative advantage of using that tool and the expected outcomes.
Below the embedded document is the same matrix with the links embedded.
Below the embedded document is the same matrix with the links embedded.
. | Learning Problem | Technologies | Relative Advantage | Expected Outcomes |
. | Students have wide variety of reading abilities. | ebooks, interactive websites | Students have access to a wide variety of text. Including multiple genres and reading levels. Often, families can find books in their native language, if it is different than English. | When students have access to text at their individual reading levels, they experience success in their reading and do not become as easily frustrated. They are also able to read independently. |
. | Children's Library | |||
. | 'Tumblebooks | |||
. | Between the Lions | |||
. | Starfall | |||
. | Students below grade level struggle with reading fluency. | Read Naturally | Students have the opportunity to set a fluency goal and practice meeting the goal prior to DIBELS fluency testing. | With practice and goal setting, students have the opportunity to practice and improve their reading fluency which results in growth on the DIBELS tests. |
. | Students struggle with reading comprehension. | Interactive websites | Students have access to reading material at their level, they can practice comprehension skills on familiar text and then apply those skills to more advanced text. | Once students have the skills to comprehend, they can apply those skills to a variety of genres and more difficult text. |
. | Students' limited background knowledge limits their learning and understanding of academic content. | Interactive websites, visual aids, images | Visual images help students to build background knowledge and connect content to their own experiences. | Students will have the prior knowledge needed to construct meaning and build knowledge. |
. | Learn360 | |||
. | Flickr | |||
. | Google Images | |||
. | Lack of automaticity of basic math facts restricts students from progressing to higher levels of mathematical understanding. | Xtramath | Program will assess students' abilities, track progress and provide student friendly graphs to show when they have met their goal. | Students will have individualized instruction and gain automaticity of basic math facts. |
. | Student need tools to help them organize knowledge to build understanding and transfer to long term memory | Kidspiration, mind mapping software, graphic organizers, interactive whiteboards | Graphic organizers and mind mapping programs offer students an organized way to look at information. | Students will be able to store content to their long term memories if they have a way to organize and categorize the information that is presented to them. It will also help students to make connections and build understanding. |
. | Spicy Nodes | |||
. | Bubbl | |||
. | Gliffy | |||
. | Students need tools to help them transfer knowledge to a variety of contexts and have real-life applications of knowledge | 3D Game Lab, Virtual Worlds | Students are given the opportunity to explore content in a variety of contexts. They have to apply knowledge to a variety of settings and solve problems. | Virtual spaces take learning to the next level by giving students the opportunity to apply knowledge and solve problems. These skills are vital to be a productive citizen in the 21st century. |
. | 3D Game Labs | |||
. | Second Life | |||
. | World of War Craft | |||
. | Students need to have the ability to collaborate with classmates and other students around the globe. | Skype, Google Docs, Interactive Whiteboards, Voice Thread, Wikis | Students will have adequate opportunity to practice and build their collaborations skills. | Collaboration skills are a vital career skill as a part of the 21st century workforce. Students who have been exposed to this type of learning environment will be well prepared for careers in their future. |
. | Students need to know their educational goals, set personal goals, receive feedback, and have the opportunity for reflection on their accomplishments. | Website (creation of), Voice Thread, Blogs, Wikis, Online Portfolios | If students know what is expected of them in terms of their educational goals, they will have a better chance at obtaining their goals. | When students get involved in their education, they become empowered and motivated. Teachers can't make students learn, but teachers can inspire students to want to learn. |
. | Weebly | |||
. | Pupil Pages | |||
. | Students have to be able to express what they know in a variety of ways. | Blogs,presentation software, movie making software,Wikis | Web 2.0 tools vary in many ways and offer students with a wide variety of options allowing for maximum flexibility and creativity | If students are interested in what they are doing, if they are allowed to be a creative director and have choice, it gives them ownership of their work. They are free to express what they know the way that works best for them. Individualization of education is a huge advantage of educational technology. |
. | Xtranormal Video Maker | |||
. | Wordpress | |||
. | Blogger | |||
. | Prezi | |||
. | PhotoPeach | |||
. | Voice Thread |