Interactive web based tool has significant impact on student's performance in FCAT Science test scores
 

The FCAT Science is a standardized, criterion-referenced test used in the primary and secondary public schools of Florida to assess student achievement in grades five through eleven.

The students must prepare for FCAT Science test but the real challenge is how the Facebook generation can be emotionally engaged with learning. This is possible with the help of web based tools like Penda.

This interactive web based application facilitates learning and significantly influences students' performance in FCAT Science test.

Students can use Penda for math and science and it can be accessed from anywhere by using unique user name and password. In fact, almost 50% of program usage is outside of school hours.

Penda consists of 14000 questions which excludes memorizing answers. The students get instant feedback after completing the activity, then  can repeat the activity until they are satisfied with the score.

The application is useful for both students and teachers. Since Penda is interactive and more visual, educators use it to engage students. Students receive points for completing activities, they create avatars and compete against other students, which motivates them and makes learning fun. Penda can be used for practicing skills during school hours or for homework. Educators use Penda as a way to introduce, review, to measure students' improvement, for proof tests.

Penda is built on latest research based educational practices. It uses 4 pillars for learning: Scaffolding, Kinesthetic Tactile, Schemas, Equilibration. Penda's 4 pillars for learning develop critical elements of learning like: long-term memory, abstract thinking, emotional engagement. They contribute to facilitating learning, content understanding, acquiring skills and mastering science critical concepts.

Penda is independently proven to rise test scores and there is a direct relation between students' use of Penda and their FCAT test performance. Since Penda's content is aligned to state standards, teachers can be sure that their efforts will have a direct influence on FCAT Science test results.