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 * Welcome to the MEDA-5400, Group 1 Wiki! I think this is as good of a start as any in learning to use this piece of technology for our group project. To get started, we will each input our thoughts on the answer to Scenario 1, and then we can all check in and edit the group's answer cooperatively. I think it is going to be a lot of fun working with each of you and I am sure we'll knock the assignment out of the Park! **

When we have everyone's input, I'll combine the answers into one and post it on D2L.
TIP MODEL SCENARIO #1 Ms. Andie uses a program called Spelling Bee to give her students practice before a spelling test or the language arts part of a standardized test. She knows that the secret to her students doing well in spelling is getting them to spend time thinking about the words; she finds she can get them to spend more time with helpful practicing than she can with a pencil-and-paper exercise or other format. The software presents words via audio prompt and then lets students enter the spellings. They get points for every correct answer. If they play alone and attain a score they are shooting for, the win the spelling bee. They can also compete against each other in pairs. 1. What type of software function is Ms. Andie using? What does it offer that makes it a good match for the problem? 2. If Ms. Andie wanted to have students practice in pairs to compete against each other, how could she set up the activity to make sure some students wouldn't become too frustrated by losing all of the time? 3. Since the software gives audio prompts and feedback, what would Ms. Andie have to do if she wanted to use this effectively in a classroom of 30 students?

1st Answers from Carl Hall. **2nd answers from Elizabeth ** Proposed final answers in Blue.

**Answers: **

1.Drill and practice
==== 1. **It is a drill and practice type of software function. It offers instant feedback so students know where they stand in their learning. It allows they to take ownership of their learning by applying what they know to get the correct answer. It is more effective that paper and pencil exercise because the student has to apply what they know by using critical and higher order thinking skills.** ====

==== 1. The software used by Ms. Andie in her classroom is a drill and practice spelling program. This drill begins with an audible prompt to the student as a word to be spelled; he then inputs his spelling of the word into the computer via the keyboard. This software gives the student instant feedback on the words that they spell correctly as well as the ones that are incorrect. It allows the student to take ownership of their own learning by applying prior learning so that they get the correct answer. The computer drill and practice is more effective than paper and pencil exercises because the students use critical and higher-order thinking. ====

==== 1a. Drill and practice is a skill practice designed to allow students to answer questions, (in this case, spelling words), and have them get instant feedback on correctness, (A flash card activity). Because it is self- paced, it can be more productive for students to use the computer to practice, than for the student to use paper and pencil and be forced to work at the pace of the classroom. Because paper and pencil feedback time would be so much longer the learning experience would be less effective for the student. ====

====2. If students were paired and competing against each other, Ms. Andie could match difficulty of software questions to the ability of each student or pair students whose abilities are similar. ==== ====2. **In order to assure that a student did not lose all the time when competing against another student, Ms. Andie should be careful as to how she pairs her students. In order for it to be somewhat of a challenge for both students, each student must be near each other's level of learning. For example, in my classroom, I make a list of students starting from high level learners and go all the way down to low level learners. Then, I start pairing students this way: I have a high level learners with a high middle learner and i have a low level learner with a low level middle student. This way there is more of a level playing field for both students and no one single student is dominating the game. This cuts down on frustration and actually boosts motivation.** ====

==== 2. To maximize training opportunities for her students, Ms. Andie could pair up her students by ability and allow them to compete on the drill and practice program. Because of the differences between spelling abilities it will be important that she pair students with like abilities as opponents. A member of our group with practical experience in the classroom pairs her students with higher achievers competing against other students of higher learning levels. In her experience the pairings cut down on frustration and boosts overall motivation among her students. ====

====3. I think Ms. Audie should have students use earphones. This way the noise level is near zero in the classroom and any wrong answers for a student are not broadcast to other students. ==== ====3. **Since the program gives prompts and feedback, i agree with Carl that students should use headphones so they can hear the prompting and not disturb the other students. If the software offers individual feedback, Ms. Andie could review the feedback and tailor her instruction more for that student or offer another strategy to help that student with the specific skill they are having trouble with.** ====

==== **3. Because the drill and practice Spelling Bee software gives audible prompts and feedback the computer that the students use for the drill should be in a quiet isolated area or headphone should be provided for the student to use to reduce ambient noise from the classroom. It is also critical that Ms. Andie monitor the usage of the equipment so that each pupil has a chance to use it in preparation for the quiz and also to spot students who have difficulties in order to make sure that they get the added instruction. ** ====