Chapter 10: Homework and Practice Summary by Rita Jasurda

Generalizations Homework amounts should differ from elementary to high school. Keep parent involvement to a minimum. Homework purpose is identified and shared. Homework should be commented on. Mastering of skill or process requires time with focused practice. Students should adapt and shape what they have learned. Homework Generalizations & Recommendations Recommendations Communicate the homework policy. Communicate homework purpose and outcome. Vary type of feedback. Ask students to chart speed and accuracy. Focus on specific elements of skill or process. Plan time to increase student understanding.

Enrich homework with technology Word Processing Applications Search in Microsoft Word for results that are more focused. Click Tools>Research for Encarta Dictionary, thesaurus, Encarta Encyclopedia, eLibrary, more. Use Word spelling and grammar tool to check grade level writing. Student can use AutoSummarize to allow computer to give a summary so the writer can check that he is communicating what he really wants to say. Spreadsheet Software Use data to master concepts and skills. Students practice by calculating, manipulating, and displaying data to gain deeper understanding. Students can quickly see and compare graphs by changing constant values instead of making graphs by hand. Saved time can be used to discuss new graphs and apply to real-life situations.

Enrich homework with technology Multimedia Allows students to work in their own learning styles. Increases level of understanding to mastery. Keeps the learner engaged, provides immediate feedback and scaffolding. Allows students to create their own projects at home or school. Allows for teacher or student creation of PowerPoint games. (Example: BattleGraph) Resources that recognize the best educational software: EDDIE Awards BESSIE Awards Technology & Learning’s Awards of Excellence/Readers’ Choice Awards eSchoolNews Readers’ Choice Awards CodIE Awards Discovery Education’s The Parent Channel Web Resources Allows students to practice concepts and skills from anywhere. Allows teacher to differentiate. Online educational games are fun, provide immediate and varying feedback, and monitor progress. Sites to try: BBC Skillswise National Library of Virtual Manipulatives ExploreLearning BrainPOP IKnowthat.com Wizards & Pigs Flashcard Exchange Mousercise Level Tutorial Kitchen Chemistry Hurricane Strike! Stellarium Instant Projects

Enrich homework with technology Communication Software Facilitates the organization of homework. Allows students and teachers to edit a document collaboratively without a shared folder or the use of . Allows students to make individual or shared pages. Allows collaboration between classrooms, schools, countries. Web resources for communication: Writeboard Backpack Checklist Campfire Chatroom Google Docs YourDraft JotSpot