2.1.3 Using Web 2.0 Tools to Differentiate Student Assessment

After researching the various web tools available for instruction and student assessment, I decided to focus this blog post on GoAnimate. This online tool allows users to quickly create professional animated videos. These videos can then be downloaded and shared with others.

Recently I was searching the Internet for videos on customer loyalty programs for business. I teach an entrepreneurship course and this was one of our topics. I felt that students needed more clarification on the topic than what I provided in the notes. Therefore, I spent a lot of time researching this topic. I finally located a few videos for use, but I believe that I could have created an even better video that would have matched our classroom learning objectives exactly. This could have been done through the use of GoAnimate.

I also like the idea of using GoAnimate for student use. After learning about a subject area, students could then use their learning to create a cumulative video on the topic. For example, I teach a unit on business ethics. After learning about ethics and the related topics, students could then be instructed to create an animated video in which they demonstrate scenarios for ethical and/or unethical behavior in a given situation.

2.1.2 Using Web 2.0 Tools to Differentiate Teacher Instruction

For this post, I chose to focus on Wikis. Wikis are a great web 2.0 tool that can be used in the online learning environment to encourage group work. I created an activity in which my web page design students researched various web 2.0 tools and then reported their group findings on the class wiki page. This activity encouraged all students to participate because they were aware of the fact that I could see who had logged in and who had posted to the wiki. In addition, students were concerned about others in the classroom reading their work. Therefore, I had lots of questions from students. I also found students relying on one another to review their work and help them with this assignment.
Click here to visit my wiki page.

2.1.1 Web Tools

In this post, I will be focusing on the Web 2.0 tools and their value in the classroom. Three such tools are social networking, wikis, and blogs. All of these tools are widely used in a variety of formats outside of the classroom. These tools also make the learning process interesting for students. Therefore, I believe these tools should be an essential part of online learning. In addition to the instructor using these tools to convey information, students should also use these tools to create artifacts for demonstrating their learning. The great thing about all of these tools is that they are free! Every where you turn now on the Internet, there is a free option for Web 2.0 tools.

I created an assignment for my online course in which students explore Web 2.0 tools.

1.1.1 Time Management

Five Time Management Tools for use in the online environment:
List.ly--for creating to-do lists
Grid Analysis--for better decision making
OneNote--Microsoft application for organizing notes
Nozbe--for organizing tasks according to location
Stay Focused--blocks time wasting websites and provides an on-task timer

I would probably use List.ly for both personal and professional time management. I am a list person, so this is something I will definitely start using very soon!
Grid Analysis I would also use for both personal and professional. However, I can see myself using a tool such as this more often in my personal life.
OneNote would probably work better for me in my profession. I often take notes on topics and this would help me organize the mounds of information I have on a variety of subject areas.
Nozbe is something I could use in my personal life. I often make lists of things to do while at home, on the road, at the store, etc. This would help me keep those things in an organized format.
Stay Focused would be a great tool for me to use with my classroom. I already use a similar classroom management tool, and I think students appreciate what it has done for their grades!

4.3.1 Synchronous Session

In the online learning environment, it is extremely important to have the synchronous component to learning and interacting with others. This part of online learning lets the students know there are real people behind the words and posts they see online. This helps to humanize the classroom and provides the "warmth" that is sometimes missing from online learning. Another way to create a classroom culture online is to create synchronous office hours. During these office hours, a synchronous tool could be used for student and teacher to communicate. This provides real one-on-one interaction between student and teacher and mimics the face-to-face classroom. Another great way to facilitate an open classroom environment is through a synchronous tool for face-to-face chat. Such a tool would actually put a face with a name. Instead of reading text or only hearing audio, students can see their instructor. Many student enjoy this part of online learning. It is also a crucial component for the visual or kinesthetic learner.

4.2.3 Discussions

What role or purpose do discussion forums serve in the online classroom and are they effective?
Discussion forums:
Allow opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and facts
Provide time for reflection
Encourage critical thinking

Yes, I believe discussion forums are extremely effective in encouraging students to research and post quality work to the discussion board. Students know that others can see their work and are encouraged to think critically.

How do discussion forums function as a teaching tool?
Discussion forums build class community because all are involved and engaged with one another. In addition, discussion forums provide a means for in-depth reflection. Students have the opportunity to research and compose a response or post before participating within the group. Lastly, discussion forums help strengthen researching, thinking, and writing skills.

How could discussion forums be used effectively and ineffectively? What are the best practices for facilitating forums online?
Strategies for facilitating discussion forums include:
Provide clear expectations
Assess quality and quantity of posts
Provide a schedule
Make yourself (instructor) visible
Do not allow domination within discussion

For more information, visit the Discussion Board Facilitation Guide.

4.2.2 Digital Feedback

Locate three digital resources that could be utilized when evaluating student work and discuss in your blog how these resources would enhance the level of specific feedback offered to students.

Three ways I plan to provide immediate feedback and evaluation for students are:

Peer Feedback--if students are aware that their peers will be reviewing their work, then they are more likely to put forth more effort. In addition, when reviewing other students' assignments, they will have to think about the assignment in order to provide quality feedback. This would work with a blog posting. Students could review their classmates work through a comment at the bottom of the post.

Recorded feedback--through the use of Evernote, the instructor could record specific feedback for students on projects and then send the recording to students via email. This would be beneficial for students because they would have the opportunity to hear fluctuations in voice and determine tone (which isn't available through written comments alone). Steps for this process using Evernote can be found here.

Weekly summative posts--can also be used in an online learning environment in which students regularly use the discussion board for learning. The weekly post could be created by the instructor to provide a summative review of the week and/or topic, provide resources for further research, and also specifically list student kudos and challenges. This would let students know the instructor is watching and also encourage students to continue hard work or to strive to do better next week.