Project Implementation Plan: IXL Math

For my TechQuest, I plan to use the IXL site from Quia to hopefully aid in my
students understanding of fractions. In order to implement this project, I first had to
create a pre and post test to determine whether my students will gain knowledge
through the use of this program. I have used the testing program, Ed Performance
to generate each test. I also signed up for the 30 day free membership for using
this technology. Students will be completing the entire fraction unit for my study,
so both the pre and post tests and the IXL site cover the big ideas in fractions, such
as equivalency, comparing and ordering fractions, the basic operations involving
fractions with like and unlike denominators and then applying these concepts using
problem solving skills. All of the skills addressed are matched with Michigan’s Grade
Level Content Expectations.

Before beginning the implementation, I also had to create a class list of student’s
usernames and passwords. IXL made this very easy, since teachers can pick the
initial passwords and students can change them once they log on. I made each
students first initial and last name their username and “math” their password.
Once I had created my class site, IXL offers a parent letter to send home to
introduce the program, as well as the option to email student usernames and
passwords, making it very simple to access.

I have not yet begun the implementation process, but I plan to initiate IXL in the
classroom beginning on Tuesday. Students will have their regular math lesson in
math class and then we will go to the computer lab to log onto IXL. On Monday, I
will send the parent letters home and introduce students to the program using my
projector in the classroom and model how to access and navigate the site. On
Tuesday, students will take the pretest and have their first session on IXL. Since IXL
is a stand-alone resource that students work on individually, they should be able to
begin the unit on their own. IXL is designed to help students learn at their own pace
and it will adjust to each child’s demonstrated ability level. Students will be able to
access IXL at least three times a week for 50min per day at school. I have signed
out the computer lab all through March, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If
Tuesdays and Thursdays open up, then I will also take my kids on those days as
well. They will also have the option for completing skills at home if they have
computer access at home. At this rate, most students should be able to finish the
unit in 3-4 weeks. While students are working on each fraction skill, they have the
opportunity to access the embedded game board with challenges for them to
conquer along with virtual prizes to be uncovered. They also receive awards as they
complete a fraction level, i.e. adding fractions, for extra motivation. During this
process, I can retrieve reports that exemplify students’ usage times, their
performance on given GLCE’s, identify their trouble spots and graph their progress
through the fraction unit. Weighting these trouble areas, I can adjust my regular
math lessons to guide and support student understanding.
For my project, no additional personnel are needed, however, depending on the
outcome of my TechQuest; IXL’s potential use is for K-6 grades, with 7-12 grades
coming soon. Within these grades, and if this program is purchased, teachers will
use the program to gather data on student achievement and determine trouble
areas, while students will use the program to practice mathematical computations
that they will need to understand when taking unit tests as well as standardized
tests.

I am looking forward to implementing this project and seeing my student’s

responses to this innovative technology.