Online Projects, Collaboration Sites, and Publishing Opportunities

Lesson Idea Template

Name: Matthew Kaplan

Grade Level: 5th
Content Area: Math
Standards Addressed: MGSE5.NBT.5 Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the
standard algorithm (or other strategies demonstrating understanding of multiplication) up to a 3 digit
by 2 digit factor.

Title of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: Dr. Math

URL of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: http://mathforum.org/dr.math/

Describe how you would use the Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity in your
classroom: According to this fifth grade math standard, the students must be able to multiple multi-
digit numbers using the standard algorithm or any other method that they feel comfortable using. For
some students this may be difficult. Also, math is one of those subjects that not every student can
grasp in the same way as otherstudents can approach math in multiple ways. Therefore, Dr. Math
will be an extra resource for the students if they ever have any questions regarding homework,
classwork, etc. However, Dr. Math is not a cop-out to simply not doing the work; however, it is to be
used as a last resort. To limit this, students will be given math partners at the beginning of the
semester. So if the two students are not able to come up with an answer between themselves, they will
then come to me for assistance. However, if they do still not understand the information through the
methods that I am teaching, they are then able to use Dr. Math as a resource.
What technologies would be required to implement this proposed learning activity in a classroom?
Students will be required to use any device that has access to Internet in order to reach the Dr. Math
website. In class, they can either use a desktop computer, a laptop, or an iPad. But since Dr. Math is
mobile accessible, students are allowed to use their cellular device at home.
Describe how the following features are addressed in this learning experience (note: all of them may
not be addressed in the project, but most should be if you are reaching a high LoTi Level.):
a. Collaboration with peers, near-peers, mentors outside their classroom and often beyond
their school: the purpose of the math partners allows for collaboration with peers. But
with Dr. Math specifically, the students are able to collaborate with mentors other than
the teacher.
b. Student-centered learning and knowledge creation (collecting original data and or
producing original products as a result of engaging in the project): N/A
c. Higher-order thinking: Using this method of learning and clarification of mathematical
methods allows the students to learn different modalities to solve problems. This
permits students to reach a higher-level thinking.
d. Students publishing their original work to others who will use/care about their product:
By submitting their work and/or questions to it allows them to see that professionals,
staff of Dr. Math, cares about their products and what they are doing.

Blooms Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply):

See http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy
Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating
What Level of Technology Implementation best describes this learning activity and Why? This higher-
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level thinking and analytical skills make these online projects reach a LoTi level of at least a five,
especially since some of the sites requires students to work with individuals outside the classroom.
Also, some of these resources such as Dr. Math allows students to listen to multiple perspectives and
gain knowledge through those viewpoints.
How could you implement this proposed learning experience and still comply with your districts
Internet Safety and Student Privacy policies?
This really has to go back to constant communication between the teacher and the parents, teacher and
students, and teacher and administration. When teacher successfully communicates what is going on in
the classroom and what resources the students are using, then nothing should come as a surprise to
anyone. Also, teachers need to let everyone know how to be safe when it comes to using the internet
and how to use privacy.