Task Tracker Overview
If you are relatively unfamiliar with Version 2 Concept Builders and the use of the Task Tracker system, then this page is a good starting point. We hope to answer the question ...
Now that I have an account, what should I do next?
Consider this page to be a sort of insider's tips to getting started.
What Can Task Tracker Do?
Task Tracker is our system that tracks the progress of students who are doing Concept Builders. As the name implies, it tracks students progress in completing assigned tasks. The assigned tasks are Concept Builder tasks. And because that is what Task Tracker does, a teacher with a Task Tracker account can assign Concept Builders for students to complete. So some of your early tasks will involve setting up classes, adding students to your classes, and making assignments for students to do. You will also learn that your assignments show up on an Class Board with scoring, due date, and help information.
It's All About Concept Builders
Always keep in mind that this is all about Concept Builders. The tasks that students do are Concept Builders. So spend a lot of time looking at the Concept Builders that are available for the topic you are teaching. And don't presume the listing is the same as it was last year because we make a lot of these Concept Builders. Look at the questions page. Try doing the Concept Builder yourself. Think about the type of thinking that students must do to be successful. And think about how they fit into your curriculum. Pick some good ones for the unit you're teaching and think about how you might sequence them. You really won't know what to do with your Task Tracker account until you spend some time familiarizing yourself with the Concept Builders that they are used with.
How Should I Get Started?
Let's begin by assuming that you already have an active Task Tracker account. That is to say, someone has purchased a subscription and assigned you to be the teacher associated with that subscription. (If that is not the case, then you need to back up to our
Directions page and find out how to become a teacher assigned to a subscription. It's the first two links on the
Directions page.)
So now that you have your account and you have familiarized yourself with the Concept Builders, here are a series of next steps for making the most of your account.
- First, create your classes.
This really is an easy process. Once you log into your account, visit your Courses page. Use the Create a Class button to begin creating classes ... as many as you plan to use.
- Second, add students to your classes.
This is not a difficult process either. There's three ways to do it; you can read about them here. We also have a set of directions that you can distribute to students. Provide them with your Class Sign up Code and the directions let them do it. Be mindful that there is a limit on the number of students allowed by your subscription.
- Third, create an assignment.
Creating assignments can be tricky. Peruse our Concept Builders until you find the one that's just perfect for your students. Remember the name and the topic area of that Concept Builder. Then when in your Task Tracker account, Create a Topic. Then Create a Task. These correspond to the Concept Builder (Task) and the Topic Area (Topic). Then set the Scoring Rules and Task Properties. That's a little more difficult but we have a set of directions for that.
- Fourth, tell students about the assignment.
Get them started on doing a Concept Builder. Direct them to log on first and to visit their Courses page. They will see your assignment there, along with the due date, the scoring guidelines and any advice that you have given them. They can click on the link and get started. We do have a short set of directions to help students learn how to use their side of the Task Tracker system. View Student Directions.
- Fifth, take advantage of the tracking power of Task Tracker.
Check in to see how your students are doing on the assigned Concept Builder. Did they get it? Do you need to re-teach? Is it time to move on?
- Sixth, make more assignments
Now that you have the first assignment figured out, try some more. Do something different. Experiment with the task properties and the various ways to set up task scoring. Watch the learning happen. And best of all, remind yourself how you're not having to grade anything.