Workspace

This is the work space for a **Multimedia Workshop** created for EDUC 7107 during the Summer 2010 Quarter at Walden University.

As the weeks progress, more information will be added to give more insight into Multimedia Technology to Facilitate Learning .

**Topic:** Differentiation in Middle School Mathematics - Determine varied readiness levels of students - Design learning tasks that meets the needs of individual students and teaches the grade-level standard - Implement multimedia tools to track, assess, and differentiate learning opportunities Website 1: Illuminations – Resources for Teaching Mathematics ( [] ) According to Mayer, learner-centered instruction is one in which technology is used in such a way that is consistent with the way people learn (2009). Using Illuminations, which is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, exposes the students to simulations that will assist in the understanding of this difficult concepts. Active/meaningful learning is characterized by selecting key information from exposed material, organizing that information so that it makes sense to the learner, and ultimately integrating the information the existing knowledge base. One topic that is especially difficult for some at-risk middle school students is probability. Bobbie Bear (http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activities.aspx?grade=all) is an interactive tool which provides a basis for understanding tree diagrams and their use in determining the number of outcomes of a given event. The instructor gives the students the task of determining the number of outfits possible given a set number of shirts and overalls. Students are able to make a prediction based on what they are presented. Students are then able to dress the bear in each outfit. Once all outfits are determined, the door to the bear’s closet is closed. The students are able to test their predictions and receive immediate feedback with this tool. Website 2: XP Math ( [] ) XP Math was developed by a middle school math teacher. Activities are categorized according to the five main strands: 1. Numbers and Operations, 2. Algebra, 3. Measurement, 4. Geometry, and 5. Data Analysis and Probability. This site is learner-centered in that it is used in a way that is consistent with the way people learn (Mayer, 2009). Students are able to learn key math concepts by playing games with real-world applications. For example, understanding integers is a topic that is difficult for many students. Integer Driving Test is an activity in which students are able to practice basic operations of integers to determine if the car should move in the positive or negative direction. Students are able to practice with numbers that have like and unlike signs. The student is not overwhelmed by too much information on the screen; therefore, the designer took limited capacity into account when he developed the activity. Website 3: Cool Math ( [] ) This website was developed by an educator with over 14 years of experience in multiple levels of education. The site is learner-centered in that is designed for the way people learn (Mayer, 2009). Although the site may overwhelm the user at times with a great deal of information, there is a plethora of useful material for students that require more assistance with basic math facts. For example, one game requires students to drive a car and hit cars that are multiples of a set number. The game provides immediate feedback if the student hits a car that is not a multiple, however, it does not offer the student explanations as to why the choice was incorrect. At this point, the teacher would be able to tutor the students on why the choice was not acceptable.
 * Population: ** 6 – 8 Mathematics Teachers
 * Outcomes: ** At the completion of this workshop, teachers will be able to
 * Gaps: ** Teachers are aware that students come to classes with different levels of prior knowledge. Despite these differences, there is an expectation that students will arrive at the same destination at the end of the school year – proficient or advanced results on standardized tests. Typically, teachers are overwhelmed by the task of identifying the readiness levels and determining the appropriate learning tasks for those levels. Throughout the course of this workshop, the teachers will gain tools that will assist them differentiating instruction in the middle school mathematics classroom. 

Reference Mayer, R. E. (2009). Technology-centered versus learner-centered instruction. Retrieved June 10, 2010 from []

Websites for Creating Multimedia

Name of Site: Wordle URL: [] On this site, the users are able to create word clouds to assist students with learning difficult concepts. The user simply copies and pastes the passage into the box, and the image is created for him. What are considered unimportant words, such as “the” and “and,” are removed from the displayed work of art. I chose this site because it is really simple to use and free. Additionally, it was mentioned in the class video, and my curiosity led me to the site.
 * __Pre-Training__**

Name of Site: Survey Monkey URL: [] On this site, users are able to create quick questionnaires in which data may be collected and analyzed online. The user provides the questions, and the program does the rest. I chose this site because of its ease of use. Additionally, the disaggregation of data and the creation of charts of graphs would be beneficial to the overall success of the workshop.

Name of Site: Bubbl.us URL: [] On this site, users are able to create customizable mind maps. Multiple formats are available to save the product. Additionally, other users are able to modify the created the mind map. I chose this site because of the control the user has with the product and the collaboration possibilities.
 * __Graphic Organizer__**

Name of Site: Webspiration URL: [] On this site, users are able to create graphic organizers from brainstorming sessions. Similar to other online sites, multiple users are able to collaborate on a single graphic organizer. I chose this site because of the ease of use and the collaboration options.

Name of Site: Slide Share URL: [] On this site, users are able to upload PowerPoint presentations, videos, Word, and PDF documents. They are also able to create webinar materials. I chose this site because of the I have had the opportunity to view videos and presentations and the past, and the quality of such material is excellent. The site is easy to use and free.
 * __Presentation__**

Name of Site: Empressr URL: [] Users are able to create and share media presentations. Additionally, they are able to upload previously created PowerPoint presentations for editing and sharing. I chose this site because it is free and easy to use.

Name of Site: Dvolver URL: [] Users are able to create animated movies at this site using pre-loaded images. The creator is able to choose the environments for the scenes and the dialogue between characters. This would be a great site for digital storytelling. I chose this site because it is easy to use and free.
 * __Authentic Assessment Activity__**

Name of Site: Flixtime URL: [] Users are able to create 60-second videos with the available free account. Users may upload images, videos, and music to create their product. Videos may be shared via Facebook, YouTube, email, Twitter, and various other ways. This site is easy to use and free.