Building the Perfect Rubric..Better Call Mike Holmes

Assessing Educational Software...Make it Right!  But How?

Our current assignment is to create a rubric for the use of assessing educational software.  Rubrics are ‘a scoring tool for subjective assessments… (that) allow for standardised evaluation according to specified criteria, making grading simpler and more transparent.’ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubric_(academic)  The rubric is designed to make assessment, though still subjective, more consistent. It seems to be an evaluation method unique to education, but I am not sure if that is entirely true.

Students are often given a copy of the assessment rubric when a task is assigned so that they are aware what the instructor is looking for, and placing value on, for evaluation.  (Although rumour has it that EQAO rubrics are not developed until after a group of tests have been graded…hmmm?  If this is true…do they go back and re-assess that group after the rubric is created?  Of course this is only rumour, conjecture and personal thought.)

Rubrics are useful tools in assessment.  They are beneficial to both the ‘assessor’ and ‘assessee’ because they outline standards and criteria for evaluation.  So why do I still have such a difficult time creating them? 

We have been given a criteria checklist to help us create our rubrics and assess a selection of educational software.  Before looking at what other people feel is important criteria I decided I needed to decide what is important to me and my students.  I started to think of the negatives I have experienced and what would make a program more useful.

The first issue I thought about, probably because I teach a lot of math, is the need for Canadian content.  I have come across some interesting resources, only to be confronted with American money and inches and miles.  For obvious reasons, such software or programs have limited appeal in the Ontario classroom.

My second concern is the languages the software is available in and any extra cost involved.  I am currently placed at a ‘dual track’ school with a growing French Immersion population.  My teaching partner and I are the only English Grade Three class this year and have tried to team up with our French counterparts with some success.  It is very important to us as an entire school that we foster integration and the philosophy that we are in fact ONE school.  This can be a difficult reality to attain if the resources are not consistent.  I feel it is important that software be available in both French and English, and preferable without extra expense to the school.

To ‘piggy back’ on the idea of bilingual software, I would like to comment on the growing diversity in our schools today and the number of different languages spoken in our families’ homes and in the classrooms.  Technology is a great way to build bridges between cultures, but only if the software is available in a variety of languages.

The ease of use is also important when assessing software…for both the student and the educator.  If it takes too much work to figure out how to use a program and how to make it useful, it will not get used. 

Availability is another concern for me when introducing software into my teaching.  It is wonderful to have a selection of programs available to our students, especially assistive technology, but what real value is it to the individual if it is only available to them at school and on their school laptop that must remain at school.  It severely limits a student’s ability to work at home and many of the licences are far too expensive for parents to purchase.  Accessibility and ease of use are definitely two important features for educational software.

So those are the ideas where I started…but definitely not a rubric.  Those thoughts now belong in a table as justifiable criteria....an assessment rubric for educational software.

Now you see it………..

With only a little more than two months of school left, the to-do list seems to be getting longer and longer.  That is because this June will see more than the end of a school year; it will also see the end of our school…as we know it, that is….

As mentioned before, a new school is being built on what used to be the playground and the original building will come down sometime over the summer (if all goes as planned).  I am currently involved with the closing ceremonies committee and we are planning a ‘big event’ during the first week of June.  The typical open house associated with Education Week has been postponed until the evening of the closing ceremonies and classes are to design their displays for the evening around the theme:  Thanks for the Memories.

One of my duties on the committee is to create an invitation that will be sent to select ‘dignitaries’ from the Board and the community.  The principal thought that it would be nice to have student art on the front of the invitations.  I agreed that it was a good thought, but the logistics and short time line would make it difficult to realize.  I have to admit, I was also a little worried about printing off 100 invitations and just passing them out to kids to draw on the front.  No offence intended, but there would be no control over what type of artwork we would get back. So time for Plan B.

A huge juxtaposition between the old school and the new school is technology.  Rundown and resource deprived will miraculously turn into shiny and new techno-mania.  I thought I should work this concept into the creation of the invitations somehow.  Digital cameras were given the school leadership group (6 Grade 5 and 6 students in a precursor to the student government that will be developed once we are a full JK to 8 school).  The students were instructed to take pictures of the building and things in it, but not people.  Using cameras and computers (‘new’ technology) we will create and print invitations that depict the very reason we are moving into a new building….the deterioration of the old one.

All I can say is ‘WOW’…..the students did an amazing job with the cameras. The angles! The content! The compositions! The photos exhibit the amazing things that are happening in the school as well as the condition of the building and resources we are working with every day.  Every picture does tell a story.  We will go through the images next week and decide which ones we would like to use.  I am creating a template for the invitation and we crop and drop the photos into place.  I can’t guarantee that every invitation will be unique, but they will definitely be a large variety.  It is quiet exciting for the group and for me so see this idea come to fruition.

The group is also going to create a slideshow for the evening showcasing photos from the past 46 years. They are in the process of choosing music from the past four decades to create a soundtrack for the presentation and will be scanning old photos into folders on the computer over the next two weeks.  Even with limited resources, we are making use of technology to generate both printed and electronic creations for our closing ceremonies.

These are very visual products of technology.  My teaching partner and I were recently discussing how ‘visual’ teaching has become these days.  Our classrooms are filled with anchor charts and samples of student work.  We incorporate the SMARTboard when we can access it and use illustrations, charts and videos to supplement our lessons.  These strategies are great in the classroom because they help us reach so many students.  Even those students who are not specifically ‘visual learners’ will still benefit from these types of resources.  Most students that is….My teaching partner will have a student in her classroom next year who is completely blind.  When we have become so accustomed to visual resources, how can we fully include a blind student into the classroom?  With the technology that will be available to her next year, there will surely be devices and techniques to benefit both her and the student….but what are they?  As I have pointed out, even the technology we currently are using is very visual based.  So now that we are getting more comfortable with visual technology….on with the audio!

MyTwitFace

What do you get if you mix your social networking media?

Okay, lame joke…..but I have to admit, I did laugh the first time I heard it.

My sister was talking about her lunch out with a friend the other day.  Apparently there was a group of secondary students at the next table.  She said each pulled out their cell phones and began texting as soon as they sat down.  There was laughter, giggles and grunts but their eyes never left their electronic devices.  Fascinated, and nosey, she ‘discreetly’ watched the group, only to discover by their reactions that they were actually texting each other.  Is that what the world is coming to?  I doubt it….I hope not…..but my son does send me online messages from the basement and refuses to talk on the phone unless it is an emergency….

I do Facebook.  I text.  I spend far too much time on the computer.  I also own my share of pencils, paintbrushes and retain a capacity for verbal exchanges with other humans….and have even been known pass a few comments along to the neighbourhood squirrels as they hang from the feeder at eye level when I open the blinds on the patio door each morning (no, they do not answer me).  My husband bought his first computer during his third year of his B. Eng.  I bought my first laptop over 20 years later when I started Teachers’ College.  Both my boys, in Grades 8 and 12 respectively, have their own laptops and cell phones.  Times have changed, and continue to change…VERY QUICKLY!

Initially I thought it would be difficult to create a post on techno-devices in education because the school I am currently placed at is so devoid of new technology.  We do not have internet drops in the classroom; there is one SMARTBoard in the library and a mobile SMARTboard that was borrowed from another facility.  The laptop used in the library was purchased by parent fundraising about seven years ago.  For the teachers who are interested in ‘technology’…..most carry around more power in their pockets with their cell phones than what is available as teaching resources.  My teaching partner and I pay for our own Wi-Fi and bring our personal laptops to our portable……if I only lived a block closer we could use my home internet!

And yet, in September when the new school opens onsite, we will be one of the most technologically advanced in the board…or so is the plan.  Will we be ready?  What is the point of a SMARTboard in every classroom and computer pods if we are not prepared to utilize them?

The kids are ready.   But most kids are not intimidated by technology.  Computers, iPads, internet, cell phones are as familiar to them as a HB pencil is to me.  Cell phones and iPods can be used for scheduling, task reminders and even voice messaging.  To think I paid $150.00 for Dragon Naturally Speaking and now you can download the app for free.  Students can record themselves and email the message to their computers for editing and then email their assignment to the teacher.  Holy $#*%! 

Technology as a learning tool?  Definitely!  But like any tool, we need to learn how to use it in its various forms and then educate our students on how to make use of their devices for learning.  A large number of students are very ‘techno-savvy’ but even more only think they are… but in reality they are truly only experts in email, messaging and video games.  We need to explore this new culture together and learn the language so we can communicate clearly and effectively. …Make SMARTuse of our SMARTboards, SMARTphones and whatever other SMART devices appear on the scene by next week (by the way…RIM release the PlayBook today).

I admit I use Facebook because I am curious as to what is going on with friends and family and because I love beating my sister at Scrabble.  I do not read the ads or use it for professional networking (actually, most teachers I know still get nasty looks from principals for being members on the site….except from the principals who are members).  I seem to spend more and more time ‘connected’ but not in a SMARTway.  I am sure I could use my time more effectively.  Maybe I should use my time to figure out how to use my new cell phone.  Oh, I can make calls, answer calls, and text…..but I still need to carry around an old fashioned paper agenda and will always wear a watch.  I did just find the stop watch and timer … not to mention the recording  feature …..I really am frustrated with the touch screen on the phone though.  It never scrolls to where I want it to go! 

Will I ever feel comfortable without my landline and HB pencils?

NO.

But I sure do love my laptop.

Education over Limitation: Internet Safety

How do I feel about the internet and keeping our kids safe online?

We can’t deny it, though some may still try, the internet is a fact of life.  Shielding our children from that scary place known as the World Wide Web is not only impractical in 2011, it is impossible.  Embrace the unknown.  Enjoy the adventure.  But be prepared, pack the proper tools and educate yourself and your children/students for a safe and wondrous journey….after all, would you go backpacking in Tibet without a little preplanning and research?

I think the ‘gradual release of responsibility’ is a key factor to internet safety with our children.  Researchers and experts tell us to keep the computer in a public place in the home and monitor our children’s internet usage (Internet Savvy Parenting Keeps Children Safe.  Meghan Howard.  2005:  Spinning Your Web Consulting Services Ltd.).  Monitoring is only the first step in the process and realistic only for the younger children.  We must remember that we will not, and cannot, always be looking over their shoulders.  It is important to teach as well as monitor:  Education over Limitation.

It is important to build trust and respect with our children/students in regards to internet usage.  We need to provide rules, such as not giving out personal information online, and to explain why it is not a good idea.  It is important to remind them never to arrange meetings with people they have met online and to remember that ‘Not everyone is as nice, cute and funny as they may sound online.”  (Internet Safety Tips for Teens.  www.opp.ca). And we must start teaching and modelling these rules as soon as we start letting our kids use the internet.  How do you plan to explain meeting your new boyfriend online when you tell your kids never to arrange face to face meetings with someone they met online?

Then, as our children show us they are following the rules and are being responsible, we must trust them.  If we are open, honest and respectful, hopefully they will demonstrate the same character traits.  They will be willing to tell us if someone says something online that is unpleasant or even threatening.  If a search turns up something inappropriate they will inform their teacher or simply ignore it (rather that making sure everyone in the class knows how to find that photo online).  They will be respectful of internet safety even when there is not an adult looking over their shoulders.

The internet is everywhere: computers at home, school and at almost every friend’s house, online games, cell phones.  Learn and then teach your children how to install privacy settings and security software and why they are important.  Be aware that internet filters and monitoring programs can be disabled so it just might be better to teach your student where they should and shouldn’t travel on the internet rather than trying to prevent access to certain sites.  Prepare them for the journey.

It is difficult to teach our children about internet safety when they know more about computers and navigating online than we do….but we can’t shelter and protect them forever…trying to deny access is not the answer.  The internet is here and now and part of their lives.  As parents and educators, I feel we must become internet aware and help our children/students be the same. As they show they are being responsible they will earn more freedom and have us looking over their shoulders less and less.  We can’t realistically monitor all internet usage….keeping the computer in a public space in the house no longer applies when an individual can carry the web around in their pocket on a cell phone.  I believe it is not a case of being the internet police, but providing the knowledge and tools for the safe and fascinating journeys the internet can provide… not being web-phobic but being web aware.

what the blog?

It appears blogging was not high on my priority list, even though it is a requirement for my course.  Somehow, I just never managed to get back to this during the week.  Of course, three days with the stomach flu didn't help my productivity....but it does make a point.  Blogging?  Is it a sustainable form of communication or sporadic in nature?

My first introduction to blogging was from 'media' types. Radio and television personalities often maintain blogs as part of their profession.  I always wondered about 'ordinary' people who blogged.  Did these people think what they had to say was really that important to the rest of the world? And when I did follow personal blogs, like a colleague's trip to Italy last summer, I somehow felt like I was invading her privacy, even though she invited us to follow along.  I guess my first step in understanding blogs came when I started thinking of them more as interactive bulletins boards rather than electronic diaries (although, in truth, it depends on the blog).  So how can these blogs be useful in education?  And are they sustainable?

Another colleague was very enthusiastic about setting up a classroom blog.  In the beginning it was a huge success, but interest waned as time went on.  With so much else going on, it was hard to maintain.  I think the blog was an addition to programming rather that a replacement of another form of communication, making it redundant and just extra work.  Other teachers do find blogs useful and are able to maintain them throughout the year.

Teachers who previously created web pages for their classrooms find blogging an easier format to update with current information and assignments.  The blog format also allows for interaction with and between students.  The teacher who administrates the blog can edit out any inappropriate posts and correct any misinformation.  Blogs can also be viewed by parents so they are up to date with class information.

Neither of my sons are bloggers, nor have they been involved in an 'edublogs' for school.  Facebook and Twitter seem to be the more popular format for them and their peers.  But those are social communication platforms, whereas blogging seems to becoming more of an information platform.  I do however wonder about the current accuracy of data presented in "The Educated Blogger" by D. Huffaker (2005: AACE Journal, 13(2),91-98) where it is stated that "51.5% of blogs are being developed and maintained by ages13-19".  If blogs are being effectively utilized in education, I suppose this could be true, but I don't feel those statistics are indicative of students in my area.

I do like Huffaker's ideas about using blogs for literacy development and storytelling.  Students can improve their computer skills, learn about internet communication and work on story development and writing skills by creating or posting to a blog.  It makes me think of the 'story tellers' and verbal history of many cultures and of the past.  This electronic story telling could be our new way of passing down our history from person to person (in comparison to a textbook or other formal produced text or media).

It is important to reinforce with students that blogs are personal statements and opinions, and that information posted in a blog needs to be verified if being used as a resource.  But when understood properly, this aspect of blogging will help students understand the perspective and point of view of others (as detailed in "school library blogging".  K. McPherson. Teacher Librarian. Seattle.  Jun2006. Vol.33, Iss5, pp 67-69).  The blog also gives students the opportunity to answer a question or add to a discussion when they may not feel comfortable speaking in class.  It gives the individual time to think through their answers and post their thoughts when they are satisfied they have expressed themselves successfully.  A blog takes the pressure off of the immediacy of response in a live classroom discussion.

If using the blog format in the classroom, security is definitely a consideration as it is with any school internet usage.  It is important that the administrator monitor the blog and its participants.  Students need to be aware of safe internet practices, and a blog can be a useful format to education them in this area of knowledge and experience as well as whatever the current subject/discussion of the blog may be at the time.  Internet security will be the focus of a future blog.

So, am I sold on blogging as an educational tool?  Not yet.  But I am becoming more interested in the format and its potential as a communication tool and an interactive bulletin and discussion board.  Am I ready to start blogging with my students?  No yet.  But when I start planning for my new placement in the fall it is definitely a tool I would be interested in investigating further with my students.

Getting Started

So the old school is coming down, and it's replacement is being constructed right before our eyes on the original playground.  The current building has one stationary SMARTboard and one borrowed mobile SMARTboard unit....and only a couple of classrooms have internet drops.  The plan for the new build....high tech...hopefully with a SMARTboard in every classroom, computer pods between some classroooms and whatever else we can raise money for between now and September. Even though I am an LTO at the school, and will probably be moving on in the fall (although I would definitely love to stay), the entire process is very dear to my heart.  This is the school both of my boys attended from kindergarten to grade six.  I volunteered here for over ten years.  Staff members encouraged me to take a leap of faith and return to university at age 40 to get my teaching certificate and have continued support me throughout my journey. 

So all this talk of new technology has led to my decision to take an AQ course on the subject.  When I started teachers college almost five years ago, my computer experience was limited to checking emails and playing a few games with my sons.  It was quite a surprise to receive laptop specifications along with my reading list.  With the help of my boys and classmates I learned how to explore the web, message and create power point presentations.  I have continued to take advantage of learning opportunities that have come my way but am by no means an expert on the subject.  I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge while taking this AQ course and hope you will enjoy following my journey.  See... you can te(A)ch a old dog new tricks!