The+Big+Three

Here is my big three paper about using the tool //Classworks// at my school.



Running Head: THE BIG THREE QUESTIONS

The Big Three Questions Shadra Tomei University of West Georgia **Introduction **  My school is currently piloting a new form of student software called //Classworks.// //Classworks// is“comprehensive, instructional software that gives students the edge to succeed,” (Curriculum Advantage Inc, 2010). “//Classworks// is based on an integrated learning system model with standards-based curriculum, with an educationally sound and carefully designed management system,” (Curriculum Advantage Inc, 2010). It was created by Curriculum Advantage Inc. //Classworks// aligns to K-12 local, state, and national standards. Math, science, and language arts content are delivered through interactive lessons, quizzes, tests, and games. This program meets the 21st century learning standards that we are striving to integrate into our classrooms by meeting the needs of our diverse learners. **What Does This Technology Really Do? ** // Classworks //is an innovative technological tool for teachers. It allows you to differentiate instruction for each child’s individual learning needs. “Differentiation suggests that you can challenge all learners by providing materials and tasks on the standard at varied levels of difficulty, with varying degrees of scaffolding, through multiple instructional groups, and with time variation,” (Tomlinson, 2000). Teachers can modify how ESOL students, special needs students, gifted students, and average students learn the same standard. This differentiation gives teachers incredible power and allows them to use technology to do this, instead of trying to make different sets of lesson plans for classes. //Classworks// has a built in Response to Intervention (RTI) program for students who need interventions. It offers identification, assessment, and instruction. //Classsworks// also has higher order thinking skills (HOTS) already built in for teachers. Meeting the needs of diverse learners is a part of most school improvement plans (SIP) and //Classworks// innovative approach will enable teachers to meet the SIP. **What Specific and Necessary Problem Will This Piece of Technology Solve? ** Differentiation is something teachers struggle with on a regular basis. It is hard to differentiate when you have a variety of learning disabilities, abilities, and cultures in each class. Teachers do not always have the time to differentiate or provide assistance with the variety of learners. One teacher attempting to differentiate instruction, assessment, and content for twenty learners is challenging. //Classworks// can differentiate for you. All the student has to do is log on and complete his/her instructional, standards-based activities that meet his/her needs. The teacher then receives notifications including how long it takes students to complete each task and whether the students pass or fail the task. Teachers can set the pass or fail percentage as well. It can be different for each student. Think of the possibilities! **Challenges **  There are some challenges with //Classworks.// One is the cost. It is expensive and with budget cuts, it may not be probable for all schools to use this program. //Classworks// costs $1.2 million dollars with an annual support fee of $120,000. //Classworks// is a new program and it still has some kinks to work out. Sometimes it freezes up. There are log-on problems with students sometimes. However, tech support is readily available to assist with problems. Some teachers will find that it is time consuming to ensure all students have access to //Classworks// on a regular basis and still have time to complete all the other required lessons, assessments, and activities. Fortunately, //Classworks// has lessons, activities, and assessments that meet the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) that we teach! There are considerably more benefits than challenges with the //Classworks// program. **What Cheaper/Simpler Technology Already Exists to Solve This Problem? ** // Odyssey //is the current program that our school system has used for years to help meet students’ educational needs. //Odyssey// can differentiate instruction for students strictly by changing the grade level for the child’s activities, not by activity or assessment. //Odyssey// is cheaper than //Classworks.// //Odyssey// cost the system $1 million dollars with a $120,000 annual support fee. //Odyssey// has interactive games, activities, and quizzes available to students, though they are not always aligned with GPS. Students enjoy //Odyssey,// however, it is not the “best” choice for teachers to use in integrating technology and the GPS. **Conclusion/How is This Innovation an Improvement Over the Current Technology Software? ** //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Classworks //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> is clearly the better option for students to use to meet their instructional needs and educational goals. Budgeting for this program would be an asset to the 21st century technology goals. It would create less stress for teachers and provide assistance for them in differentiating their instruction for all students. Students will be highly engaged in the interactive programs and there are more than two hundred and fifty activities to choose from. Teachers can monitor student progress and adjust student settings/activities as they deem necessary. //Classworks// will increase student achievement and individualize instruction for all students.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">References <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Curriculum Advantage, Inc. (2010) Classworks. Retrieved March 25th from <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|http://www.classworks.com] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Tomlinson, C.A. (2000). Reconcilable differences?: Standards-based teaching and differentiation [Electronic version]. //Educational Leadership, 58//(1), 6-11.