Objective #1 Bloom's Taxonomy Category--Knowledge (identify, record)
After completion of the readings and activities, the learner will identify, and describe the components of an Excel screen by creating an online crossword puzzle, to demonstrate knowledge of Excel terminology with 100% accuracy by the end of the first module.
Activities
To meet the first objective--The learner will:
(The activity in "Bold" is the one I will be highlighting the assessment piece for.)
(The activity in "Bold" is the one I will be highlighting the assessment piece for.)
- open a new excel document and use the handouts as a reference to identify the spreadsheet screen along with the tools and terms. Learners will record their findings on a worksheet.
- explore other classroom uses for spreadsheets by doing an internet search to find examples and record their findings on a class wiki.
- apply what they have learned when given a set of text and numerical data to enter and format the data to create and save a basic spreadsheet including formulas with 100% accuracy (following a specific rubric) and submit the final copy (dropbox) of the completed excel spreadsheet by the end of module 1.
- using a free online crossword generator, crosswordlab, incorporate all of the Excel terminology into a crossword puzzle and post the completed puzzle link to the class wiki for other class members to complete as a review to get comfortable with terminology that will be needed for the next module.
- reflect the weeks learning onto a personal blog.
Assessment and Rationale for Use
The Assessment for this Objective: Online Crossword Puzzles
The learner will post the completed url to their crossword puzzle on the class wiki. Students will work out at least three other crossword puzzles to self check their understanding of the Excel terminology. This is a formative assessment that will give instant feedback to the learner as the puzzle only works with the correct answer. This will be a great way for each learner to self assess their learning. On Bloom's Taxonomy this activity is in the knowledge category, used as an informal self assessment, this will be a great way for learners to see if they have mastered the beginning activities. There are many advantages to using puzzles as a form of assessment, the learner has to have knowledge to identify and understand terms that are going to be used, and it engages all ability levels and appeals to all learning styles. This is a free program that is very easy to use. You are limited to basic features and can't include graphics. This particular site was created by a student, it might not last forever.
Click here to create an online crossword (crosswordlab) puzzle.
Click here for more information on puzzles in education.
Click here to create an online crossword (crosswordlab) puzzle.
Click here for more information on puzzles in education.
Benefits Crosswordlabs
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Challenges Crosswordlabs
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Plagiarism and Diversity
This online class will attract even more diverse learners than in a traditional classroom and as the instructor of the class being a good cyber-coach is a key part to making this online class successful. Responding to each student with his/her needs will require a lot of monitoring. The online pre-class survey is a great example to find out the students' learning preferences and prior knowledge with their technology experiences before the class begins. It is then up to the instructor to bring them to a level of comfort in the class. Creating a crossword puzzle assessment is a great example that will be used by students to demonstrate their understanding of Excel Terminology. With all of the new online sources and tools emerging by the day, using the right tool or resource can help to support all learning abilities, These new online tools can give new opportunities for more interaction and collaborative learning. "One of the principal challenges facing online education today is the need to stimulate and sustain learner motivation and retention." (Bonk & Dennen, 2003). Good online teaching can be a great way to teach a diverse learner, not only with different cultural backgrounds but those with different learning abilities, expectations, experiences, and generational lifestyles. This will not be an easy process. (Zhang, 2006) For this particular assessment, creating a puzzle, is a very basic form of self-assessment. This assessment will be a student created activity and each puzzle will be unique, there will be no chance of plagiarism due to the nature of the activity.