5.3 Blog Tools

5-3 Blog Tools

Organized Data

Based on the data from the Math classroom what I discovered is that most of the students struggled on problem six. As an educator since only one student got it correct the class would benefit from another lesson on the topic (solves problems involving single or multiple operations). Problem seven had a high success level showing that whatever the method or way the teacher taught that topic was mostly successful for this class. I think that it would be beneficial to look at how the lesson was taught so the teacher could implement some of those strategies into the classroom.

Looking at the overall information I could definitely see some successful groupings that could occur. The groupings would depend on the way in which the teacher would want. Would the teacher want similar struggling students together in a group or students who could help one another? I found through my years of learning, especially with Math, that peers can sometimes explain how to do something in a more at the student level learning type of way. Many of the strategies from this data would depend on how the teacher would like to roll out the plan.

Which tool did you use?

I used Google Sheets to organize the data from the Math classroom. I was able to layout the information in a more visually accessible way. I also added color to some portions of the data to emphasize areas of needed improvement. I found the tool to be very similar to the way that Microsoft Excel works which I am familiar with. In addition, you can make a variety of graphs, charts and diagrams that can further explain and show the data.

What do you see as its strengths and weaknesses?

Some strengths of this program are that it is easily accessible, free to through your Google account and can be accessed from any computer with internet. Also if you are familiar with Microsoft Excel much of the functionality of the program is similar. There are a variety of videos, articles and blogs that can assist you in the use of this program (Such as https://support.google.com/docs/answer/49008?hl=en and http://www.gcflearnfree.org/googlespreadsheets )

Some weaknesses are that you need to have a Google account, so if you do not have one you would be signing up for another program. In addition, the way in which you can use Sheets or Excel can be complicated with the equations or information that you need to enter.

Did adding color to the tool help identify any potential problem areas?

Adding color to the chart really made it clearer as to where the problem areas are. It made it clearer not just to see how the students did across the board, but also how the class did overall on certain problems.

How could you apply Web 2.0 tool functionality to authentic classroom or school-wide scenarios?

I think that by looking at data that is provided through a survey, an assignment, or observation anyone can make charts or graphs to show conclusions from the data.  This could apply to behavior; standards based learning, results of a survey on training, and much more. There is variety of web 2.0 tools that could be used and displayed for others to learn such as Google Sheets, Infographics, Excel, Survey Monkey and much more.