Peer Review

Online discussions in maths teacher education - Case study

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Reviewed:: Dec 2, 2017 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

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Overview:: This video showcases the use of online asyncnchrous discussion as a part of a growing professional practice for primary math teachers in teacher education programs. Specifically, the online forum within Blackboard are used to host discussions about video lectures, support, assessments and evaluations. Unlike face 2 face professional learning in many teacher education programs, online discussions eliminates passive observations and supports engagement. Also, online discussions encourages careful planning, and easy navigation of features. This program accommodates approximately 22 students in a shared environment. Reportedly, online discussions eliminates such challenges as students sign up for the role and drop class, in discussions are difficult to balance too short or too long, or factual questions.
Type of Material:: Case Study
Recommended Uses:: Examples of recommended uses includes establishing a Professional Learning Community for primary elementary teachers to increase collaboration and shared learning; to support curriculum and instruction for teachers in elementary class settings to support state and district standards for math such as CCSS guided by online discussion forum to support teacher effectiveness in student learning.
Technical Requirements:: Technical requirements: eLearning ; Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching (TELT) Alerts: Planning and Maintenance Windows Learning Management Systems: Moodle (Support for students and staff); Turnin; Educational Media Systems; although not included, the online discussion appears to be compatible with Blackboard.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: An example of a major learning goal might include:To offer online discussions in online format to increase primary teacher's effectiveness in increasing students outcomes by demonstrating content knowledge and skills in math content area. After viewing the video, the learner will be able to identify the pros and cons of hosting online discussions in mathematics and strategies to overcome obstacles.
Target Student Population:: Learning material might be used in Lower Elementary Teacher Education Programs in pre-service teacher education programs to increase effective use of technologies as a tool to support teaching and learning in the content area of math. As well, the material would be useful for any mathematics teacher who seeks to add an online element to his or her classes.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: There is no prerequisite knowledge or skills needed for using the materials. Access to a LMS platform is needed in order to hold an online discussion.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The case study describes the experiences of a teacher using online education to teach math. The continued growth of online education at all grade levels and the limited research regarding the experiences of online instructors especially in STEM areas make the video educationally significant.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The learning material promotes flexibility as the content can be easily integrated into online learning communities to support the curriculum, state and district standards. Also, the online discussion forum can be used to differentiate teacher's learning needs.For example, learning material can be adapted to meet novice teacher's pedagogical and instructional learning needs. The learning material can encourage teachers to incorporate discussion in traditional math classes as well as in online courses.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The learning materials presented in hte discussion forum appear to to easy to navigate for teachers who are familiar with the specific Learning Management System that will be employed.
Concerns:: It appears that the assumption is that all teachers are familiar with the learning management system; however, some teachers might need guidance and time to complete the tutorial program. Reviewers did not see a process to direct teachers to the tutoring program.

Other Issues and Comments:: Although the discussion forum reportedly accommodates 22 students,a time frame for mastering the material, or goals that teacher might identify onset would offer closure.
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