Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences+(Mark)

=**__Identifying Similarities and Differences__**= The process of connecting different pieces of information is essential in learning. The below technologies and services can be utilized to assist a student in understanding how concepts are related and different. Through the use of these devices and software, an educator can facilitate the cognitive process of identifying similarities and thereby providing the student with a contextualization of new knowledge with previously known concepts.


 * ==//Technology One:// Moodle Course Management System:[[image:moodle-logo.gif link="@http://www.moodle.org"]]==

//Rationale:// The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory states that Moodle "can be used to set up a virtual classroom with discussions, grade books, assignments, readings and more." Moodle can be used to facilitate a broad level of communication within the class. Discussion boards that ask students to identify similarities and differences can easily be created and Moodle allows the educator to easily moderate and guide each student through the discussion process. In addition, Moodle can be used to centralize student discussion so that the entire class can observe and consider discussions between peers and teachers. A major benefit to Moodle is the centralization of discussion.

Moodle is especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "students benefit by having similarities and differences pointed out by the teacher in an explicit manner. This can include rich discussion and inquiry, but allows students to focus on the relationship or bridge to the new ideas (Chen, Yanowitz & Daehler, 1996; Gholson, Smither, Buhrman, & Duncan, 1997; Newby, Ertmer, & Stepich, 1995; Solomon, 1995)."


 * ==Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:==
 * Personal Computer (Any OS, Limited Hardware Requirements, Network Connection Required)
 * Knowledge Level: Minimal (Key skills include knowledge of internet software, educational course management software)
 * Cost: $0


 * ==//Technology Two:// SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard: [[image:smart_board_logo.jpg width="209" height="85" link="@http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards"]]==

//Rationale:// Focus on Effectiveness, a website used to create this resource states that the "nonlinguistic representation" can be used "to enhance student achievement significantly"(Chen, 1999; Cole & McLeod, 1999; Glynn & Takahashi, 1998; Lin, 1996). SMART Boards are devices that can be used to create non-linguistic expressions of learning that facilitate the differentiation of material. Students can create diagrams, illustrations and drawings that assist both personal and class as-a-whole understanding of content. The SMART Board technology is especially helpful in creating a platform where students can display their understanding in a public form that assists other learners.

SMART Boards are especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "using nonlinguistic representation enhances student achievement significantly (Chen, 1999; Cole & McLeod, 1999; Glynn &, 1998; Lin, 1996)."


 * ==Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:==
 * SMART Board (Estimated at $1200)
 * Personal Computer (Any OS, SMART Board software any any other programs desired for display)
 * Knowledge Level: Medium (A teacher must be aware of common hardware use skills as well as the SMART Board software)
 * Cost: $1200- $1500. (Hardware and training)


 * ==//Technology Three:// Microsoft Office Power Point: [[image:Logo_PowerPoint.jpg width="100" height="107"]]==

//Rationale:// Focus on Effectiveness, states that identifying similarities and differences asks each learner to communicate how new knowledge connects to previously known material. Key to evaluating each student's progress with this task is the communication of this personal process. Microsoft Power Point is an excellent resource for this communication by allowing simple and varied expressions of learning. Through the use of Power Point, students can create presentations that express personal learning and understanding of the similarities and differences between content. Power Point is a common resource that students will be familiar with and will allow each student to express on a personal level his or her understanding and communicate in a form that other students will understand and utilize to model their own thinking.

Power Point is especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "students also benefit by being asked to construct their own strategies for comparing similarities and differences (Chen, 1996; Flick, 1992; Mason, 1994, 1995; Mason & Sorzio, 1996). "


 * ==Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:==
 * Personal Computer (Any OS)
 * Software: Microsoft Office: ($50- $300)
 * Knowledge Needed: Minimal (Basic PC Skills, MS Office software use skills)

=__**Educational Challenges and Solutions**__=

//Overcoming a lack of student motivation through Moodle.//
The process of identifying similarities and differences is an involved cognitive process. As a result, students may be reluctant to complete the mental tasks required to thoroughly consider their learning. In addition, the process of communicating these differences is a challenge and some students may struggle to express their thinking. In order to overcome this challenge, a teacher can use the Moodle platform to break down the process of thinking and communication. Assignments that break down the process of thinking and communication can both allow the student to carefully consider each topic and provide an educator with the needed glimpse into student progress. Moodle is an excellent resource for completing this process.