Tool #8—Xtramath (Cheryl Hallowell)

Tool #8—Xtramath

Cheryl Hallowell

    

Xtramath (xtramath.org) is a free web-based program where students can practice math facts at their own pace. This supports PBE because students are moving at their own rate, working to increase the number of facts they know (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Students take a progress quiz each time they log on. This progress test is followed by “Race the Teacher” where they practice new or problem facts determined by the progress test.

Features:

·      Easy to use.

·      Free! There is a paid app but unnecessary if there is access to a web browser.

·      Feedback after each session.

·      Short duration.

·      Can be accessed from home or school.

·      Teacher receives feedback

·      Informational and instructional videos on the site.

Classroom Application:

·      Students can practice their facts at their individual proficiency levels.

·      Teachers have another way of documenting student proficiency with math facts.

·      Students can celebrate their own progress.

·      Teachers can help students isolate problem facts.

Ranking:

·      Safety—4 The only identifier is the student’s first name.

·      Student Enjoyability—3 Students can be highly motivated to “beat” their previous score.

·      Accessibility—4 Can be access on multiple devices for free.

·      Feedback—3 There is immediate feedback given from the site, but not from outside sources.

·      Higher Level Thinking—1 This is math fact drill. Not too high on the taxonomy hierarchy.

Team 2 Early Elementary Rubric Applied to Xtramath

	Does Not Meet the Expectations 1	Partially Meets the Expectations 2	Meets the Expectations 3	Exceeds the Expectations 4
Safety	*Student data can be readily accessed by anyone. *Students can receive or send messages to while using the tool. *Tool has ads or pop-ups.	*Student data cannot be easily accessed by others. *Students can send or receive message to others in the district while using tool. *Tool has ads or pop-ups.	*Student data is not accessible to outside individuals. *Students cannot receive or send messages while using the tool. *Tool has no ads or pop-ups.	*Student data (beyond first name and grade level) is not needed to use the tool. *Student data can only be accessed by invited individuals. *Tool has no ads or pop-ups.
Student Enjoyability	*Students are not motivated and engaged by this technology tool. *Poor graphics, poor entertainment value and the tool is not user friendly	*Students are motivated and engaged by parts of this technology tool. *O.K. graphics, some parts are entertaining and some parts are user friendly	*Students will be motivated and engaged to use this technology tool. *Great graphics, entertaining and user friendly	*Students will be highly motivated and engaged to use this technology tool. *Above and beyond graphics, entertaining and extremely user friendly
Accessibility	*Tool is likely to crash or close without warning. *Students are unable to find the tool without assistance. *Tool costs money to use.	*Students need assistance accessing tool (user name/password long or confusing). *Students need assistance following the directions for using the tool. *Tool is low cost or free.	*After appropriate instruction, students can access the tool independently. *Students can use the tool with little to no adult assistance. *Tool is free or low cost.	*Students can use the tool (app, site, or program) on different devices both at home and at school. *Tool is free or low cost.
Feedback (When Applicable)	*No feedback given. *No ability for teachers or peers to leave feedback.	*Irrelevant feedback given. *Limited ability for teachers or peers to leave feedback.	*Meaningful feedback available. *Ability for teachers and peers to leave feedback.	*Meaningful feedback available along with links to lessons/exercises to practice weak areas. *Ability for teachers and peers feedback.
Higher Level Thinking	*Communication tool has no clear goal that encourages students to use any of Bloom's skills beyond the first level (remember).	*Communication tool has a goal that encourages students to use at least one of Bloom's skills (remember and understand).	*Communication tool has specific goal and one or more supporting objectives that encourage students to use many of Bloom's skills, including evaluate and analyze).	*Communication tool has clearly defined goals and several supporting objectives that encourage students to use many of Bloom's skills, including create.