Technology to Facilitate Student Engagement and Formative AssessmentJeremy Anderson

Outcomes

By the end of today, you will be able to:• Describe three tools for engaging students• Explain the primary purpose of each tool• Select the best tool to facilitate various types

of learning activities and content

Tools for Engagement

• Discussion Boards• Blogs (Journals)• Wikis

DISCUSSION BOARDSCreate flowing discourse on a topic

Discussion Boards – Imagine this…

Discussion Board Format

Class Discussion Board

Board

Water Cooler

Forum

Student 1 Post

Thread

Student 2 Reply

Reply

Student 5 Reply

Reply

Student 10 Reply

Reply

Student 2 Post

Thread

Case Study 1

Forum

Case Study 2

Forum

Discussion Boards

Strengths• Equal voices• Rich in views and

ideas• Allows exploration

Limitations• Can lose focus• Lacks non-verbal

cues• May overwhelm• Text heavy

5 Use Cases

• Debate a course topic• Discuss a controversial reading• Explore a course question• Create a water cooler • Brainstorm solutions

BLOGSFocus on author’s voice and message

Blogs – Imagine this…

Student types full blog post here.Student 3 Post

• Student 2 comment

Student types full blog post here.Student 2 Post

• Student 3 comment• Student 7 comment

Student types full blog post here.Student 1 post

• Student 2 comment• Student 4 comment

Blog Format

Blogs

Strengths• Strong sense of

ownership• Focused• Reflective• Media rich

Limitations• May become stale• Linear• Class blogs get

crowded

5 Use Cases

• Class or group notes• Virtual study group or literature circle• Peer review• Address course questions or proficiencies• Individual log of experiences

WIKISCollaboratively create a product

Wikis – Imagine this…

Wiki Format

Student 1 inserted a picture

Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text. (Student 3 deleted this text) Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text. Student 2 typed this text.

Student 3 typed this text. Student 3 typed this text. Student 3 typed this text. Student 3 typed this text. Student 3 typed this text. Student 1 added this text. Student 1 added this text.

Student 2 inserted a video

Wikis

Strengths• Flexible• Easy to edit• Highly collaborative• Track contributions

Limitations• May lose structure• Can delete work

(recoverable)• 1 editor at a time

5 Wiki Use Cases

• Class glossary or bibliography• Class study guide• Group paper, website, presentation• Individual portfolio• Sign-up sheet or calendar

LEARNING CHECK

What is it and what is it good for?• Discussion Board• Blog• Wiki

LET’S APPLY IT!

Brainstorm

Choose an activity or assignment you currently use and select the technology that would most appropriately facilitate that activity.

• What is the nature of the content?• What is the purpose (outcome) of the assignment?• What type of discourse do you want?• Whose voice should be heard? • What level of collaboration do you want?

Questions?Comments?

THANK YOU!