Andrew

Steinman A34091396

Analysis of a Technology Innovation in the Classroom Applying Technology to a Problem of Practice in Education Overview
Name of reviewer: Andrew Steinman The technological and educational innovation: The use of Edmodo, a private social network focused on micro-blogging, to help students learn and communicate outside the classroom.

The Problem of Practice: A Need or an Opportunity

What is the important educational need or opportunity that this project seeks to address? In education, students have an increased chance at successfully learning course material when given the opportunity to accomplish learning objectives in groups, rather than working on their own (Brophy, 27). This can easily be achieved when students are together inside the classroom, but when students are outside of the classroom, co-operative learning becomes a much more difficult task. Students must plan and agree upon a meeting place and time. Also, without teacher involvement, students can loose focus of the original learning objective. The goal of this project is to increase the probability and effectiveness of co-operative learning outside the classroom using Edmodo. How would you know you were successful? Success of this project will be based on an increase in student comprehension, improvement in depth of understanding, as well as increased participation during classroom discussions. In-class cooperative learning groups will also be more effective in producing active learners.

The Setting
What are the important characteristics of each of the following areas related to this project? - - - - Teacher 25-year-old male Second year teacher Teaches higher-level and lower level biology classes Incorporates multiple teaching strategies, including: - Inquiry-based learning - Teacher-centered lessons - Student-centered lessons - Co-operative learning groups - - - - - - Learner 9th grade College prep biology students Even ratio of boys to girls Students come from a range of low to mid socioeconomic status Class average: 80% All students have computer access at home

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Subject Matter College prep biology 9th grade Curriculum follows Michigan high school content expectations

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Setting LAnse Creuse High School North School of approximately 2200 students Classroom does not have lab space Classroom does not have computers Classroom contains 32 desks Class size of 22 students Students have access to computer lab areas outside of classroom

Technology-Integrated Solution
Brief Summary: In 1 paragraph, provide a compelling but realistic description of the solution to the problem of practice where technology is an integral part of the solution As a solution to the problem, students are expected to use Edmodo as an online resource. On Edmodo, the teacher posts a topic question to be discussed. Students are expected to reply with questions, comments, and concerns about the topic. These responses will generate a discussion board for students to use as a resource. The blog function, therefore, allows students to work together outside of class to improve their understanding. Rationale: In a few paragraphs, provide the basis for having confidence that this solution will make a meaningful difference in addressing the educational need or opportunity. As previously stated, placing students in co-operative learning groups helps increase the chances of academic success. It also increases student interest and value in the subject matter. Co-operative learning increases students ability to follow procedure, problem solve, and reflect on their learning (Brophy 27). Co-operative learning is not limited to the classroom. Edmodo allows co-operative learning groups to be extended outside the classroom. Effective co-operative learning groups can contain as few as two students or as many as the entire classroom (Brabec 7,8). Edmodo acts as a base group for the entire classroom. Base groups are large and usually contain the entire class of students and are used throughout the semester (Brabec 8). In this online base group, students have the ability to work in a social setting where they can talk to their peers in order to discuss concepts or solve problems. It also allows for reserved or introverted students to feel more comfortable expressing their ideas (Brophy 27-28). Edmodo incorporates individual accountability and group expectations by allowing the teacher to monitor and assess individual participation. Brophy discusses the idea that learning outcomes improve in co-operative learning groups when there are clear goals set and individuals are held accountable (28). Edmodo effectively enhances student learning in a collaborative setting based on its ability to monitor individuals and the group as a whole.

 There is a rising need from government and big businesses for applicants who are well versed in teamwork. Blogging sites, like Edmodo, allow students to build their collaborative working skills (Baumbach 17). These enhanced skills include the ability for students to recognize input from peers and explain their own opinions. Students also benefit from blogging sites by acquiring positive conversation skills, for example, students on blogging site must read comments before replying, which mimics good listening skills. (Imperatore 31). Logistics of solution: What is the scope of this project? The solution is students using Edmodo. This solution requires outside of class experiences with the Edmodo tool. The teacher will posts resources before, during, and after unit completion. Students have the responsibility of accessing these resources outside of class. Students are expected to hold discussions with peers regarding material. Teacher is expected to monitor student discussions as a tool to ensure comprehension of the material and adjust lesson plans as needed. What resources are required for the development of the project? For the implementation of the project? (e.g., student access to computers on the Internet daily in class) Both students and teacher are required to have access to a computer and the Internet outside of the classroom. Students must have access to a productive learning environment, such as computer lab, library, or home. Students are required to have basic reading comprehension and writing skills and the ability to apply these to reading and typing skills to a computer.

Benefits of this Solution

If you or someone else has actually implemented this solution What are the benefits from using this solution? What is the evidence? I began using Edmodo at the beginning of this semester, after having a year and a half of teaching experience without this technological solution. I found that from last semester to this semester there was an average increase of grades by 4%. Classroom discussions became more student-centered and profound. Students were able to hold conversations with less redirection and input from the teacher. The number of student participants increased on average. Co-operative learning activities resulted in a deeper understanding of topics. For example, during a discussion regarding cell structure and function in first semester, the dialogue revolved around me asking leading questions and the same students answering. This semester, during a discussion regarding cell division, the dialogue incorporated a variety of students volunteering both questions and answers.

 Do you believe that these benefits would be found by someone else implementing this solution? Why or why not? I believe that other science teachers implementing this solution would find similar results. However, results might vary for teachers implementing this solution in other subject areas. For example, a math teacher might find it difficult to implement this strategy because students have little or no experience to generate equations or mathematical operations. Due to this obstacle, students will have difficulty discussing their work using Edmodo. In the opposite spectrum, English teachers might find using Edmodo an effective way for students to discuss pieces of literature or their own writing portfolios. This would be expected because students have experience using the computer to express their thoughts and ideas regarding written work.

Implications:
What lessons can we learn from this project regarding technological innovations in education? This project demonstrates that students can take the responsibility to use their peers as resources when learning a new topic. It also shows us that students benefit from student- centered learning inside and outside the classroom. This piece of technology allows students to experience the content in a collaborative setting, teaching them that teamwork can benefit both the group and the individuals. Will you implement a variation of this project in your own setting? If not, why not? If yes, how will you vary the project to match your own setting? Due to the profound success of this solution in this class, I have decided to implement Edmodo into all of my biology sections next year. I piloted this solution in my college prep sections because I felt that they would be a good test group due to their academic motivation and their ability to access a home computer. After I saw my students of all academic abilities utilizing the Edmodo resource, I decided it will be beneficial to implement in my general biology sections next year.

 Works Cited Baumbach, D. J. (2009). Web 2.0 & you. Knowledge Quest. 37(4), 12-19. Brabec, K., Fisher K., and Pitler H. (2004). Building Better Instruction: How Technology Supports Nine Research-Proven Instructional Strategies. Learning & Leading with Technology. 31(5), 6-11. Brophy, J. Teaching. Educational Practice Series-1. Imperatore, C. (2009). Wikis and Blogs: Your Keys to Student Collaboration & Engagement. Techniques (Association for Career and Technical Education). 84(3), 30-1.