3.3 Reflection: Using Web 2.0 Tools

  It seems like with each passing day, there are new Web 2.0 tools popping up online. I think these tools will help support the new implementation of the Common Core State Standards in the upcoming year. In math, students will need to understand concepts in depth, being able to apply, analyze, and create new ideas to demonstrate their knowledge. 

Performance tasks are one way for students to show their ability to problem solve, apply skills and strategies, explain thinking, and create ways to showcase what they know.




Students will be expected to be technologically proficient, taking computer adaptive assessments that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards. It makes sense to incorporate many opportunities to embed technology for collaboration, problem solving, and presentation on a regular basis.


Here is a link to a samplemath performance task from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium at the 6th grade level. In this particular task, students are given the challenge to plan a field trip based on survey results and cost per student. This reaches into the higher level in Bloom's Taxonomy because students must first analyze survey data, then apply skills to determine the cost per student, finally creating a logical and evidence backed plan for a class field trip. 


I can see students first using Google Drive to collaborate and brainstorm together. They can work in groups in the classroom and create a common document. Then they can share with the teacher who can project the work to generate whole class discussion. 

Alternatively, students could share with other groups by linking their work in a Learning Management System like Schoology. In contrast to all face to face work in the classroom, having the brainstorming and problem solving approaches documented online would be a great resource for students to review and engage in reflection. 


Students can use Web 2.0 tools like Create a Graph or Google Drawings to show survey data in a different ways
Once students have had the chance to collaborate and discuss approaches to problem solving, they could then put together a summative account of the task using a presentation tool like Prezi or Google Presentation. They could explain the approach, problem solving, and document the solution created by the team. 

I can also see students solving performance tasks individually and then sharing their presentations with peers for feedback and the opportunity to reflect on the different approaches to the problem. 


One of the biggest challenges will be helping students to become proficient problem solvers, persevering to attack problems with more rigor in which they may be accustomed. Many students now see computers as tools for "copying and pasting" information. It will be important to get students away from this type of thinking with creative and higher level tasks that require analysis, application, and synthesis of information.