Thing 23

At our last meeting we went to Karen's wiki and I learned what a wiki is. A whiteboard to allow response to a certain scenario regarding copyright laws and plagiarism. I worked with a group on scenario 9 whether student work could be shown to a class removing the name of the individual for class teaching purposes. We came to the conclusion that it indeed could, but that it might be polite to request permission of the individual. Lindsey at the same meeting presented her pbwiki for her schools 9th grade academy. I thought that would be cool to create one for my geometry class. Unfortunately I was unable to complete it at the district building. I hope to complete that soon.

Response to Lippincott E-Connect

As I read this article I thought back to an experience last year at our High school where students in an English class had created a blog to discuss one of the books for the class. What was interesting was from the perspective of my discipline, mathematics, it appeared to be a creative discussion of the classroom literature. I was somewhat impressed that the students were taking time to talk about the material outside of class and online. Unfortunately the students use of this venue became somewhat abusive. Things were said online, some considered to be inappropriate. All discoveries, the good the bad and the ugly were disclosed with the parties involved. It was hurtful and scary to some of the teachers and administrators involved. I remember feeling the urge to talk about what had happened as a staff. We were prohibited to have an open discussion. This article iterates that students are already so well equipped to communicate on-line. We need to be promoting and demonstrating appropriate use. That is our job. A too quick response in some cases is to eliminate instead of embrace. So what can I do to support appropriate use of on-line materials? I need to be open to the discussion with our staff and administration and library specialist to invent ways to explore these databases in Math class. I need to become knowledgable of the variety of ways to recieve and disseminate material. Students need frequent exposure to try , in some cases fail and then get better at their research and communication. It is difficult for some students since they do not have the easy and ready access to online resources. We as a staff need to have the discussion to create opportunities for the students to use the technology on and off our campus. We will ultimately better prepare our students for their future no matter where that may be.

created rubric using Rubistar

It worked pretty well. I have created a rubric for my algebra class using the rubistar. I was able to save it and print it out to be used for a specific project for students in groups to determine the rate of change for different data. The program was pre-set problem solving and
graphing rubrics. I was able change the cells of the rubric to meet the requirements for my specific project. I see this as a very quick and easy method to create a rubric.

Geometer sketchpad using projector and Imac

Decemeber 13 and 14 I had two great days. I was able to easily project my introduction to as software package called Geometer sketchpad. Students were able to see the first lesson and design a geometric figure to my specifications using the software. None of this would have been possible had it not been for the projector and Imac that I have been so privileged to use and learn. Both days in the computer lab the students were engaged and working very hard to animate their "Mr. Triangle." On Monday the students will lead the class with short cut methods for proving triangles congruent using the computer and projector in the classroom.

Thing # 5 RPC

At our meeting on December 12 we looked at the research calculator. Although I have not planned a lesson and directed its use in my classroom I do have a better understanding of it as a powerful tool. Highland Science teacher extrodiniar did an excellent job of showing us how to incorporate this into a project. What a great guiding quest...alternative fuel sources. I want to be like John. I am considering a Geometry Research project where students investigate one aspect of geometry. I could easily work this in for mid Tri2 or Tri 3. The calculator may be more useful from the teachers aspect particularly for shorter projects. Karen and Leslie did a great job of leading us through this extensive tool.
The other item we talked about was the rubistar to generate rubrics. This was cool since I had just created one for a project in my algebra class. Its again one of those sites that one has to use many times before it would become quick and easy.

Thing #

I was able to show my advisory a cool dvd on possiblities in life. I once again a had my projector and computer ready for class discussion and display. We also watched an intertaining YouTube puppet show with Harry Potter. We continued our research and keep the students informed of the research engines on connect St. Paul. In my advisory we looked into trusses since we were studying triangles. We looked at the Star-Tribune pictures and history of the 35w bridge. We even were able to look at the new plans for the bridge. This created a healthy discussion in my Geometry class. In Algebra we took a look at YouTube Ma and Pa kettle do Math. Students found it very entertaining since we had just finished studying percents and proportions. I still have an adjustment to set-up and take down each day. It is good to use the video chunks to enhance the class discussion.

Thing #

I am happy to say that I have done one power point presentation in my class. I did not however write the power point. It was provided with the HOLT materials for the mathematics curriculum. I will create my own slide show soon. I must say it was easy to run with the remote and clicker for the slides. My students appreciated the change and it allowed for a deeper discussion of the functions we were studying. A couple of my colleagues noticed the set up. I have finally got the projector on a cart so that it is easier to see the projection on the screen. They were interested and a little skeptical as to whether it was worth all the set up and tear down time. Like anything, the more you pracitce the less scary it becomes to teach a lesson in this manner.