Teaching AP Biology in the Digital Age: Gena Barnhardt, NBCT Teaching AP Biology in the Digital Age


Hickory High School: Hickory High School 1250 Students in grades 9-12 42% free lunch eligible Over 15 languages spoken at HHS 15% ESL


Available Technology: Available Technology Two computer labs for general student usage ~30 computers in each T1 connection to internet every classroom wired with fiber optic cable Pentium III in each classroom 71% HHS Students have internet access


Technology Integration: Technology Integration Multimedia Presentations WWW MBL/CBL Grade Reporting Assessment


Slide5: To Scale or Not To Scale? Tests mimic AP format 60 MC 2 Free Response


Prior to Spring 2002: Prior to Spring 2002 Reading Quizzes Objectives Test Scores... WebAssign!


What is WebAssign?: What is WebAssign? Web-based, homework delivery system Create Unique Assignments (Extensive database or write own questions) Encourages cooperative learning while discourging cheating


Benefits for Teachers: Benefits for Teachers Reduces time grading homework Provides for “Just in Time Learning” Can be used for homework, quizzes, tests Can help students attain mastery Class time can be used more efficiently Encourages Cooperative Learning Discourages cheating


Benefits for Students: Benefits for Students Helps identify misunderstandings prior to class Immediate feedback - no waiting for grades Multiple submissions motivate Encourages collaboration All homework can be graded More enticing than “paper” homework


AP WebAssign-ments: AP WebAssign-ments ~20 MC or MS questions Campbell 5th Edition test bank 5 - 6 submissions No detailed feedback Students know total number correct, but not individual items


Varied Usage of WebAssign: Varied Usage of WebAssign Homework Timed Essays Cumulative Review


WebAssign works: WebAssign works Students like it 96% agree that immediate feedback is helpful test scores soared! 20% average gain on Unit tests 90% Pass rate on AP Exam 50% 5’s 33% 4’s


Test Scores Fall 2001 : Test Scores Fall 2001 Reading quizzes used for daily assessment No Use of WebAssign Scores scaled to reflect CB grading


Introduction of WebAssign : Introduction of WebAssign WebAssign introduced following Test 1 Scores no longer scaled


Fall 2002 vs Fall 2001 : Fall 2002 vs Fall 2001


Implementation of WebAssign : Implementation of WebAssign Create Question database Multiple Choice Multiple Select Assignments 1-3 per week (only homework assigned) 20-45 questions per assignment Detailed feedback suppressed 7-10 submissions allowed


Why does WebAssign work?: Why does WebAssign work? Students get immediate feedback Students spend MORE time completing homework Higher level of student collaboration IM Chat Rooms


Fall 2002 Survey: Students say WebAssign helps them learn: Fall 2002 Survey: Students say WebAssign helps them learn 71% are comfortable with the web 92% WebAssign is easy to use 100% using WebAssign helps them learn course material 75% WebAssign is more beneficial than traditional homework 79% believe grade would be lower without WebAssign


WebAssign is instrumental in keeping me on top of the subject matter. : WebAssign is instrumental in keeping me on top of the subject matter. Agree 83% Disagree 17%


WebAssign is instrumental in preparing me for unit/chapter tests.: WebAssign is instrumental in preparing me for unit/chapter tests. Agree 96% Disagee 4%


WebAssign encourages me to discuss concepts with my fellow classmates.: WebAssign encourages me to discuss concepts with my fellow classmates. Agree 92% No 8%


Student Response: Student Response Using the Web motivates Students complete more homework Students like instant feedback, multiple submissions More mastery is attained Grades improve


Student Response: Student Response WebAssign caused increased time spent on homework Suppressing detailed response was frustrating but added to conceptual understanding Timed Writings helped in writing concise essays under pressure Practice Assignments great help in AP Exam prep


Recommendations: Recommendations Length of assignments Use Multiple Select Feedback limited for multiple choice Limit submissions 2 Assignments per week


Slide31: Gena Barnhardt Hickory High School 1234 3rd St. NE Hickory, NC 28601 (828)-322-5860 ext 2258 barnhardtge@hickory.k12.nc.us


If you want to know more about WebAssign:: If you want to know more about WebAssign: WebAssign Box 8202 NCSU Raleigh, NC 27695-8202 Tel. (800) 955-8275 E-mail webassign@ncsu.edu Web http://webassign.net/info