2.1.3 Using Web 2.0 Tools to Differentiate Student Assessment

Differentiated instructional practices and differentiated student assessments deepen and enhance the learning process. Web 2.0 tools are ideal resources to integrate differentiated student assessments across the curriculum. Among the wide variety of Web 2.0 tools available, PowToon is one of the most versatile tools for language instruction and assessment. PowToon is a free online animated presentation tool that allows students to use their creativity to generate content that is dynamic and visually engaging. It is also extremely easy to use, and the final products can be embedded or shared through social media.

Authentic writing activities and production of multimedia projects are among the student-centered practices and differentiated assessments best supported by Powtoon. Because students don't have to be super tech savvy to use this Web 2.0 tool, they can spend the majority of the time writing, designing, and generating a product in the target language. One of the most beneficial aspects of using PowToon as a differentiated assessment tool is the positive impact on students' motivation and attitude about learning. They feel empowered when they are able to demonstrate and create their own learning.

2.1.2 Using Web 2.0 Tools to Differentiate Teacher Instruction

by  bensheldon 

Integrating Web 2.0 technologies in online instruction helps promote student engagement and create a more student-centered learning environment. The positive impact of this approach on student achievement is unquestionable. Web 2.0 tools seem to really foster student engagement by increasing student motivation, particularly when students are offered personalized instruction that addresses their specific needs. The ultimate goal is to help students experience academic success.

I created a Biteslide mini-presentation to provide additional, differentiated instruction for students struggling to master the skills associated with the different uses of the verb “estar” (to be).

2.1.1 Web Tools

by  The Daring Librarian 

Among the wide variety of Web 2.0 tools that can be used for student learning and instruction, there are three categories that are particularly relevant: communication tools, collaboration tools, and social bookmarking tools.

In language instruction, communication tools such as blogs and microblogs are invaluable tools to enhance students' language-learning opportunities. Blogs can be used to integrate academic vocabulary in a meaningful way when analyzing facts, summarizing events, and expressing opinions. Students' writing skills can be improved through the use of blogs. In the world language classroom, the more opportunities students have to use the target language meaningfully the greater chances of them becoming proficient. Spanish language learners can greatly benefit from using blogs as online journals to communicate with their classmates using the target language.

Collaboration tools such as wikis allow students to submit, review, and discuss content collaboratively. In the online environment, having students collaborate on a wiki is particularly beneficial since it gives them the opportunity to interact and construct meaning together in the target language. Instructors can also provide feedback in a more timely manner by reviewing students' wikis as they develop their work, and by making corrections when needed. Wikis offer all the advantages of formative assessment tools since students' progress can be evaluated throughout the development of their wiki pages.

Lastly, social bookmarking tools are an effective way to access bookmarks anywhere and at anytime. It is a great means for students and instructors to network and share bookmarks with each other. For example, in order to organize materials for each thematic unit of study, students can compile a list of resources using a social bookmarking tool. They could bookmark the sites that they find more useful and interesting, and organize them by tags (vocabulary, grammar, irregular verbs, culture, etc). Students can also network and share their bookmarks, benefiting from seeing their peers' bookmarks and using their tags.

1.1.3 Appearance Quest

 by  TangYauHoong 

Instructional sites that are designed following best practices:

IXL is one the Web's most comprehensive K-12 practice sites. Widely used by schools and families, IXL provides unlimited practice in more than 4,000 math and English topics. This site is colorful, fun, and interactive. The content is organized like a textbook, making it easy for students to scaffold their learning.

BrainPop is a comprehensive website that covers multiple disciplines. All the sections are extremely engaging and helpful for kids of all ages. There are instructional videos and games that help students practice skills in a fun way.

LearnEnglish Kids has lots of online games, songs, stories, and activities for primary school children learning English as a second language. It is a highly interactive, eye-catching instructional site, even for very young learners. Kids can have fun and learn English at the same time.

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. It is a comprehensive website that covers multiple disciplines, using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. All the lessons present content in a very engaging way.

iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and encourage them to participate in the democratic process. Civic learning is promoted through interactive and engaging digital resources. iCivics is one of nine nonprofit organizations around the world to receive the 2015 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. According to its Executive Director, Louise Dubé, “iCivics has become the largest and most popular digital civic instructional resource in the country.”

In my opinion, the following instructional sites fail to exemplify sound design ideals. They all lack eye-catching images, graphics, and multi-media. The delivery of content is not clearly organized, which in some cases looks confusing and, in other cases, feels overwhelming. Font and color choice, as well as arrangement, seems to be problematic, too.

• Enchanted Learning  http://www.enchantedlearning.com

• Cool Math Games  http://www.coolmath-games.com

• Web Spanish Lessons  http://www.june29.com/Spanish/

• Jiffy Spanish  http://www.jiffyspanish.com/lessons/

• Spanish Made Easy  http://www.davidreilly.com/spanish/

1.1.2 Creating a Content Map Quest

Using bubbl.us, I created a content map to explain the uses of Ser and Estar in Spanish.

Ser vs. Estar

1.1.1 Time Management

 by  âœ¿ SUMAYAH ©™ 

In the online learning environment, effective time management practices are critical in order to ensure academic success. Ritika Trikha, in 10 Must-Have Tools for Time Management, suggests several digital time management tools that have the potential to help students and instructors use their time more efficiently by getting more done in less time. Among these tools, the following ones can be particularly useful to students who struggle with organizational and time management skills:

MindMeister – This tool lets students customize an easy-to-revise virtual mind map. MindMeister is best for visual learners because it's focused on goals rather than lists and orders. Students can also easily collaborate with others on a project.

List.ly – This is a great tool for those who prefer lists. It is highly engaging and makes it easier to receive crowd-sourced feedback.

Toggl – This simple program is for those students who want to keep track of how long they have been working on a project. They can try to beat their time on given tasks to improve efficiency. Toggl also saves all their work and is accessible on Mac, PC, and mobile phones.

Grid Analysis – This tool is designed to help students make decisions more effectively. They can list their options in a table format and then various factors as columns. The application lets students score each option and then helps them make the best decision based on the factors they input.

StayFocusd – This is a Google Chrome extension that will block students' biggest time-wasting sites. It works like a timer, and asks students to set the maximum time they want to waste on their customized time-killer sites before they are blocked.

4.3.1 The Synchronous Session Quest

 

Creating a true classroom culture is perhaps the most challenging aspect of virtual education. Facilitating learning in an online environment is quite different from teaching face-to-face in the classroom. Among all the different learning experiences offered in the virtual classroom, synchronous learning sessions represent the most similar experience to the traditional classroom. Because they usually take place only once a week, it is very important to plan these sessions thoroughly in order to ensure that this virtual face-to-face time with students is maximized.

Dedicating the first session to learn about students' backgrounds, interests, previous learning experiences as well as individual learning styles will give instructors the opportunity to collect all the information needed to make sure that the rest of the synchronous sessions in the course are engaging and relevant to their students. Equally important is that instructors integrate multiple collaborative learning activities within these sessions, giving students the opportunity to interact with each other in meaningful ways. Student-centered synchronous sessions are a central component to build a sense of community, a community of learners, in the virtual classroom.