Module 5 Collaboration Task/Effective Communication Tools #3 PhET

This communication tool that I have been exploring is called PhET (Physics Education Technology project) it originates out of the University of Colorado Boulder and is a site specific to interactive activities or simulations. I have not used it with my students as of yet but upon looking at it I believe it will be a awesome place to go to challenge and to use as an RtI (Response to Intervention) tool. It is free which is a good thing. Teachers can add activities if they want to or just use the activities that are already available. It is very user friendly and reaches all grade levels. It is not specific to standards but can clearly by aligned to any standard that you are addressing. You do not need to set up an account for this site unless you want to submit activities. I give it a 3 for Learning Effectiveness which is important if you need a tool to engage students and motivate them to learn.

       Evaluation Rubric for Communication Tools
PhET

Criteria	1 (Below Expectations)	2 (Near Expectations)	3 (Meets Expectations)
Learning Effectiveness	__No collaboration tools __Motivation is minimal __Very few students are engaged __Clearly does not challenge learners __No graphics __Does not meet learning objectives	__Collaboration tools may not be as effective __Motivates some student learning __Engages some students __Meets and challenges the needs of most learners __Uses some graphics that promote understanding __Meets most learning objectives being addressed	__Promotes effective collaboration __Motivates student learning __Engages all students __Meets and challenges the needs of all levels of learners __Uses graphics to promote understanding __Meets all learning objectives being addressed
Reliability & Support	__Very little tech support __No updates or they cost money __Does not support instructional strategies or only touches on a few __Does not track student progress __Does not provide assessments __Teacher needs a lot of support	__Tech support is available but not as accessible __Some updates provided __Supports most instructional strategies __Tracks student progress __Provides some simple assessments __Challenges teacher	__Easy access to tech support __Provides updates __Supports instructional strategies __Effectively tracks student progress __Provides built in assessments __Teacher friendly
Ease of Use	__No expectations __Instructions confusing; clearly not user friendly __May not fit some student abilities __Navigation features and menu are very confusing	__Expectations may be confusing __Instructions are a bit complicated __Student friendly but not so friendly for parents __Navigation features and menu may take time to understand	__Clear expectations __Simple instructions __Parent and student friendly __Clear navigation features and menu
Safety	__Many ads or pop-ups __Students information can be accessible to others __Teacher has not tested out the site __ Teacher can not monitor __Students do not have accounts	__Some ads or pop-ups __Students information can be accessible to others __Teacher may not be able to monitor the student's progress  __Students do not have accounts	__No ads or pop-ups __Private access __Teacher tested __Constant monitoring __Students/Teachers have private accounts
Technology Requirements	__Teacher does not have access to accounts or unblocking sites __Laptop of devices are limited __Tools may be difficult to use and understand __Lacks one or more options such as text, video or audio __Students can use the tool on one device such as an iPad, phone, or computer __Most activities cost money after a limited time __ No storage space __Students can not have accounts	__Teacher access to “unblock” __Most students have access to devices __Teacher has an understanding of the tools __May have limited  text, video, and audio options __Tools can be used on most devices such as iPads, phones, and computers __ Free limited activities, accounts and etc. __ Some storage is in the cloud __Limited number of student accounts	__Teacher access to “unblock” __One-on-one laptop time __Teacher has a clear understanding of the tools __Has text, video, and audio options __Students can use the tool on multiple devices such as iPads, phones, and computers __ Free unlimited activities, accounts and etc. __ Storage is in the cloud __Unlimited student account (users)
Curriculum Connection	__Is not standards based __Not aligned with the Common Core __Only focused on one task __Not engaging __Unclear expectations __Few assessments __ Can not change settings to meet students needs __No reporting access	__Standards based __Some standards may be aligned with the Common Core __Some integrated tools __Interactive   __Expectations are established __ Post assessments __Some differentiation for individual students __Students can see the data	__Standards based __Aligned with the Common Core __Integrated when possible __Interactive and very engaging __Clear expectations __Pre and Post Assessments __Differentiated with flexibility to change settings to meet student needs __Reporting: Data is available to the student/teacher/parents