IMMEX:(Interactive Multi-Media Exercises)

Description: IMMEX is problem-solving and assessment software. It serves as a 'shell' for the development of a problem-solving situations. Teachers can "stage a class" through IMMEX, which allows IMMEX to track each of the actions that students make when attempting to solve a problem. IMMEX then records these actions for the teachers to view and analyze. Web problems are available for grades K-12 and encompass many scientific and non-scientific disciplines. Once the student completes the exercises they are provided a visual map of how their problem solving approach compared to that of 'experts.' That opportunity helps students reflect on their problem-solving strategies.

The Department of Education has recognized the IMMEX project as one of the country's exemplary programs influencing the use and innovation of technology in classrooms in the United States.

Developer: Dr. Ron Stevens,
UCLA School of Medicine

Publisher:
UCLA School of Medicine

Grade Levels: 7+

Cost: No Charge

Effectiveness: Reviewed by University of California, Berkeley for NCREL and Metiri Group (2000).

Joycelin Palacio-Cayetano, a Los Angeles Unified School District teacher, reported on her classroom's attitude toward IMMEX, "…The excitement mounted as we introduced students to IMMEX. Mine were so riveted to the computer screen that, when the bell rang, there was no mad dash to the door. My students were deep in thought, interested, and wanted more! This was a teacher's dream come true--students enjoying learning, thinking critically, and developing problem-solving expertise. It was a prize, a simply priceless one!"

And of her own growth as a teacher, she wrote, "As a result of my participation in the IMMEX program, I have changed from a rather silent, somewhat active classroom teacher to a presenter at LAUSD Principals Meetings, the CSUN Practitioners Group Conference, the GLATSA Conference and, in the fall, I am scheduled to present at the National Association of Biology Teachers Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Obviously, my silence has been broken, and my teaching is revitalized." http://www.lalc.k12.ca.us/catalog/articles/116.html
IMMEX Teacher Institutes have been evaluated by WestEd. Survey respondents reported increases in their:
-knowledge and use of strategies for integrating science/mathematics or other disciplines
-understanding and use of computers to enhance instruction
-knowledge and use of problem-solving strategies in the classroom and their ability to teach their peers about problem-solving strategies. (WestEd, 1998)

The increases reported were statistically significant. Workshop participants' responses also showed statistically significant improvement in their preparation to:
· use cooperative learning groups
· present applications of concepts
· use computers as an integral part of instruction
· manage a class of students who are using hands-on/laboratory activities
· use a variety of assessment strategies
· use performance-based assessment
· teach groups that are heterogeneous in ability
take students' prior conceptions into account when planning curriculum and instruction. (WestEd, 1998)

"…The excitement mounted as we introduced students to IMMEX. Mine were so riveted to the computer screen that, when the bell rang, there was no mad dash to the door. My students were deep in thought, interested, and wanted more! This was a teacher's dream come true--students enjoying learning, thinking critically, and developing problem-solving expertise."

Joycelin Palacio-Cayetano, a Los Angeles Unified School District teacher

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