Web 2.0 Tools for the Elementary Math Classroom

Web 2.0 Tools

Khan academy Math liveWeb 2.0 Tools for the Elementary Math Classroom

Khan AcademyMath LiveVisit: http://www.khanacademy.org/You do need a Google or Facebook account to log in.The website saves the videos a student has viewed as well as their progress progress on a student profile.Teachers can access where students are at and their progress.

Visit: http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/me5l/html/Math5.htmlNo log in is required. You can navigate through episodes by category, view parent/teacher notes and math glossary.It does not save what you have already done. However, your session does not expire.

How can you use these tools?

Khan AcademyMath LiveVideo demonstrations about various math concepts are available (videos can be downloaded as well).There are practice activities that students can complete online (hints are available if necessary).Students have the ability to check individual progress, earn badges, and set goals.Teachers have the ability to check progress of entire class.

Cartoon episodes, starring the same four characters, about math found in everyday life are available (episodes cannot be downloaded).There are online practice activities along with the episodes. There is an illustrated math glossary.There are teacher as well as parent notes.There are assessments that include exemplars to help with grading.

What do these tools offer?

Possible Uses for Khan Academy in my ClassroomBook of RulesCurrently, I use a Book of Rules to teach new concepts/skills. I can introduce a new rules card by using the Khan Academy videos. I can even attach the videos to the rules cards and post on my website for parents to use as a resource at home.

(sample card)

Possible Uses for Math Live in my ClassroomAfter viewing rules card and video from Khan Academy, we can view Math Live episode on Multiples, Factors, Primes, and Composites, and complete accompanying worksheet.

(sample card)

Additional Uses for Khan Academy in my ClassroomOnlineStudent PracticeAfter viewing the videos, rules card, and completing practice activities, my students and I can visit the following website for independent practice. After completing the independent practice, students will be able to:see if they earn badges.set goals for next time.

Then, I can check the progress of my entire class. I will get to see who needs more practice as well as who has mastered the skill.

http://www.khanacademy.org/exercise/prime_numbersAdditional Uses for Math Live in my ClassroomAfter viewing student results, I can refer parents to the Parent Notes section of Math Live as well as the Assessments section. That way, the students can have additional reinforcement of the skills at home.

Khan AcademyMath LiveThe videos can be downloaded to be included on websites, lessons, etc.With the use of a SMART Board, the videos can be viewed easily.The online practice offers feedback to the students and teachers about the skills that are mastered. Teachers can reflect on who needs further instruction based on results.Students can access at home for more practice.

Math Live is very kid friendly. Students are drawn in by the cartoon format.With the use of a SMART Board, the episodes can be viewed easily. The students can also interact with Math Live by completing the questions right on the board and manipulating things to help them understand the concepts better.Students can access from home.

Benefits of these tools

Khan AcademyMath LiveThe videos on Khan Academy are not as kid friendly.In order to access the online practice effectively, students need access to computers. Computer lab time is not always easy to come by. In addition, not every student will be able to use this at home.

Every time you log on to Math Live, you have to scroll through the list of titles to select the episode you want, you cannot link right to the desired episode.Episodes cannot be downloaded.

Drawbacks of these tools

Overall, I look forward to using both programs in my classroom.

Math Lives kid friendly approach will get my students interested in completing the activities and practicing their skills. Since I do not have access to computers for each student, I will continue to make accompanying worksheets for the students to complete while they view the episodes. In my opinion, the assessments offered are not thorough enough to use. While Math Live will not give me individualized student results, I do see many benefits to using it.

Although Khan Academy does not have videos that are as kid friendly, I will be able to have my students refer to them with ease in class as well as at home. Since the videos can be downloaded, it provides a quick explanation to parents who may be confused with a certain skill. When I have the chance to use a computer lab, I look forward to the results that I can get on each students progress.

Both programs will provide my students and I with an interactive approach to learning new skills.Overall