IXL is a computer program that was designed using the Common Core State Standards. It was designed to be an adaptive tool with rigorous problems which would lead to fluency (Doster & Cuevas, 2021). Based on the website there are over 300 skills for most of the grade levels provided.
Meaningfully Related to One’s Goals
According to Reiser (2018), motivation is promoted when knowledge is perceived to be meaningfully related to the learner’s goals. Furthermore, the learner’s goals may be concrete and specific or emotionally based and non-specific. IXL is a supplemental computer program where learners can set their goals and accomplish them at their own pace. If a student is struggling with a multiplication property, they can look up that skill and reinforce it with the problems provided. Relevance is a key aspect of Reiser’s (2018) second learning engagement principle, it states that relevance can be achieved by creating meaningful challenges, in this case, it would mean allowing the students to have a measure of control over their goals and steps to accomplish them (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018). Like many other interactive computer programs, IXL allows students to start wherever they want, and along with that, they can also spend as much time as they want.
Succeed in Mastering a Learning Task
According to Reiser’s (2018) third learning engagement principle, it states that motivation is promoted when learners believe they can succeed in mastering the learning task at hand. In various masters’ theses and doctoral dissertations, the impact on math achievement has been investigated (Hollands & Pan, 2018). In this study, it was reported that the average score of the diagnostic from the beginning of the year to the end did rise (Hollands & Pan, 2018). In a traditional class setting, the instructor could use this as a review of concepts or assessment. When learners are on their own, they could choose a skill they want to reinforce or better learn. These behaviors result in successful goal accomplishment which is also known as self-efficacy (Reiser & Dempsey, 2020). An aspect that is important to remember is that learners who have the belief of having control will also lead to a successful goal accomplishment.
Satisfying Outcomes
Reiser’s (2018) fourth learning engagement principle states that motivation is promoted when learners experience satisfying outcomes. Many of this comes from external and internal factors. External factors include rewards for accomplishment (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018). IXL is presented with bright, attractive colors that will engage and capture the attention of any learner. But besides the satisfying design, IXL offers certificates as a form of reward. If the learner spends enough time with high enough questions answered correctly, they will receive a certificate and a star next to the skill. An important aspect of experiencing these outcomes is feedback. The informational feedback reinforces and helps with sustaining intrinsic satisfaction (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018). In IXL, when a student answers correctly, it moves on but when the student answers incorrectly, they are provided with a review and a question answered step-by-step. Students can review this same question throughout the session of that skill.
References
Hollands, F. M., & Pan, Y. (2018). Evaluating Digital Math Tools in the Field. Middle Grades Review, 4(1).
Doster, H., & Cuevas, J. (2021). Comparing Computer-Based Programs’ Impact on Problem Solving Ability and Motivation. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, 3(3), 457–488.
Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2018). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (4th ed.). Pearson.
Learner Curiosity
One of the five principles of learning as developed by Keller, states motivation to learn is promoted when a learner's curiosity is aroused due to a perceived gap in current knowledge (2017, p.80). IXL is an online learning platform where epistemic curiosity is encouraged and supported. Epistemic curiosity refers to the desire to gain knowledge (Keller and Deimann, 2017, p.80). Students can feed their curiosity and fill learning gaps on IXL. While practicing using a program like IXL students can select from the skills and subjects they feel the need to practice. Practice in such skills builds fluency and can open up opportunities to seek other curious endeavors just by selecting another unpracticed skill. These skills can be…
Effort, Performance and Satisfaction: Personalized Guidance
According to Keller, (2008b) Instructional designers must understand and be able to identify all the factors that influence human performance, which certainly includes motivation. IXL provides a personalized math, reading and language learning experience. Working with software guarantees that each student will get an individualized diagnostic that allows to target student specific deficiencies. According to Keller, (2008b), capability refers to a person’s knowledge, skills and aptitudes. IXL provides an immediate intervention, guiding teachers and students with the process of teaching and learning. (Keller, 1983a, 2008b, 2010) explain that in human performance the instructional designer must understand and integrate three components such as effort, performance and satisfaction. IXL, provides students the opportunity to work according…
IXL is a remarkable program that I personally utilize daily. This platform provides so many useful benefits for students and educators. IXL covers common core standards, but it also provides resources on top of resources for students to master each standard on their own pace. IXL delivers goals, motivation, reinforcement, and assessments. This platform covers all areas full circle. As a parent, I utilize this platform to help bridge the gap and reinforce the lessons that my children have learned that day in their class. Because this platform allows you to pick your state and align with your state’s standards, I can easily follow along with what my children learned in class and what they need to practice at home.
IXL is a great way to build math confidence! It also gives the students more control over their academics as they can choose the skills that they want to practice. IXL is an app that helps to decrease math anxiety. According to Geist (2015), math anxiety begins early and is caused by several intertwining influences such as being passed on by their teachers or parents. Students may pick up negative vibes about math from the adults in their lives and then develop the same disposition. It also helps that IXL seems to be not only user-friendly for the students but the teachers and parents as well. If there is a skill that a student may not understand, the app allows…