ETiA: Ch. 7

S1.1 The biology teachers had a hard time in getting the students interested in certain topics, such as Mengelian genetics. Using the software Mouse Genetics grabbed the students’ attention by using a presentation that is interactive and visual.
S1.2 Inquiry-based method: The students are unmotivated to learn content in traditional ways, and the content is abstract and difficult for learners to grasp without hands-on work.
S1.3 Qing can allow only one person to answer one question. This would allow everyone to participate. Also, they can raise hands and Qing can call on a person. He would have to make a rule where nobody is allowed to shout out an answer. If Elton only had one computer, he would probably need to project the images on a big-screen monitor so that everyone can see. Also, the students will probably be then split up into groups to discuss. Then the class would have to go into the “Virtual Mouse House” as a class, instead of doing it in groups.
S1.4 Elton and Qing would need to assess the student’s comprehension of the subject by their PowerPoint presentation of a law. The accuracy in the students’ work would most likely determine whether or not they understand the concept.

S2.1 The problems these teachers had were that their middle-school students would always jump to conclusion with math problems and would not bother to test them out to see if it is correct. King’s Rule allowed the students to stop and think before blurting out an answer. The students would also have to think of alternative answers. The software functions include generating and testing hypotheses in math, such as figuring out patterns (drill and practice).
S2.2 The teacher could note whether or not the students still jump to a conclusion without thoroughly investigating. If the students take their time in coming to a conclusion, then the students’ skills have transferred.
S2.3 The teacher would have to ask the school to buy more of the software, or they could ask for a donation of the software to the school.
S2.4 For those students who did not pass the quiz, the teacher would have to see whether they were one of the students who always jumped to a conclusion. If they were, then the teacher would have to work one-on-one with them and try to help them slow down when doing their work.

P1.1 Andie is using instructional games as a software function. This offered students to enjoy the activity while they are learning how to think carefully before blurting out an answer.
P1.2 Andie would make sure that these students are fully taking their time. Also, Andie would have to figure out why they would be losing all the time. Then when the problem is addressed, the student may feel less pressure when working as a pair against each other.
P1.3 She would still need to periodically give students written quizzes to test them on their spelling. This would help for her to see whether there has been an improvement in the scores of the students.

P4.1 This software uses the Problem Solving software function because it focuses attention on required problem solving skills and allows self-discovery of principles. Carson may find this software useful because it allows the students to practice problem solving skills when using algebraic equations.
P4.2 Carson should expect the students to successfully solve algebra equations. He should clearly state to his students that he expects them to be able to solve any given algebraic equation.P4.3 Carson may go around and see how the students are doing when using the software. He may give them a small quiz to see if there is any improvement.