Let's get Quizz-i-cal

My Quizz - Year 3 Technology

I can see why this may be a useful tool for some classrooms. No doubt you have had to complete a number of online quizzes for your university studies. It would be a practical anytime-anywhere Formative Assessment tool, giving Learning managers insite into how much learners know in the way of declarative knowledge, and 'where to next' in teaching and learning experiences. However, I personally do not feel that it is a terribly terrific tool to use in a primary school context. Sure, it could be used and it could be useful, but not to as much advantage as it would have in high school. In a Primary School context I think it would work better as a whole class using the 'My Groups' part to make it look more exciting, put up on a projector or interactive whiteboard and played as a sort of team game (like 'Buzz'), or added to a virtual classroom as extra revision, extension work, opptional homework etc.

I suppose another way it can be used is if students can create the tests themselves for their peers, as another means of learning (along the lines of teaching others) that has the potential to increase the retention rate to 90% according to the Learning Pyramid.

In all, not my favourite tool I've experienced so far, but I am beginning to see how it could be useful in the classroom.

What you lookin at?

What you lookin at?, originally uploaded by Beth 1989.

Mahara Madness

Ok, so I'm totally confused. After using blogs and WIKIs, which are about an 8/10 in how simple they are to use, my Mahara account is about a 2/10. I will need to watch a few more clips on how to use it before I go ahead. There are just so many parts to it, it is actually difficult to get your head around! I understand how useful it can and will be, especially when the time comes to start our interviews and applying for jobs, it's just that it is one of those 'dreaded' technologies that takes alot of time and 'playing around' with to use effectively.

I might have to get back to you on how Mahara can be used in a classroom and the learning opportunities it provides for both learners and learning managers once I have had more time on it myself. For now though, wish me luck!