August 29, 2008 at 10:40 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
After 3 weeks of school, I am adjusting to the using technolgy in the classroom. I was aprehensive before I attempted my first activity with the laptop lab. However, we had a great experience. My geometry class used google documents to make a slideshow presentation of terms and concepts from chapter 1. We searched google images to find pictures that illustrated things like collinear points, supplementary angles, and intersecting lines. The kids really seemed to enjoy the lesson, and they learned to use some technology in the process.
I’ve also used the laptop lab in algebra 2 to create chapter reviews. We also used the tablet feature to graph scatterplots, find best fit lines, and write and use prediction equations. In addition, all of mystudents have had a blog assignment. They have had to respond to a blog on Airset.
I am really enjoying the new opportunities that the technology has offered the students in my classes. Though I may have more planning, I think that it will get easier. The benefits definitely outweigh the extra work.
Until next time…
July 26, 2008 at 1:25 am · Filed under Uncategorized
It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for homecoming yet again. I’ve already had several alumni contact me about times for the different events. I have checked on everything, and as of today, here is the schedule:
Friday, October 10, 2008
8:30 am- breakfast for alumni (location TBA)
9:30 am – Homecoming Assembly
12:30 pm:parade entries in stadium parking lot
1:30 pm: Alumni should be on floats by this time
6:30 pm: Pre-game ceremony
7:00 pm: Homecoming game
If you have any questions you can e-mail me or comment here.
I will update later with themes, skits, etc. In the mean time, everyone should begin to prepare for another exciting week of festivities!!
July 19, 2008 at 10:01 am · Filed under Uncategorized
My mind is totally overwhelmed with all of the information that I was exposed to at NECC. I hesitate to say I learned very much. I feel confident in saying that I learned that I have so much to learn. The experience in San Antonio was truly eye-opening. I love the excited feeling that I have about this school year. I know that there will be many challenges. However, I hope to bring some fun and excitement into the classroom.
Let’s face it. Most students do not love math. Most don’t like it at all. Okay! I’ll say it. Most students HATE math. So if I can incorporate some things that they do like (computers, cameras, music) then maybe we can have some fun and learn in the process.
One concept that I am really excited about is creating a virtual museum. These museum “tours” can be used in any subject area in a variety of ways. I plan to use them in geometry especially. Geometry is a very visual course, so creating these museums will be beneficial.
At NECC, I attended a session on project-based learning. I first learned about virtual museums in this session. The following website has a wealth of information about creating these slide shows. There is an instructional video about how transform a blank powerpoint screen into a “room” in the museum. There are also many templates that you can use.
The website is: http://educationalvirtualmuseums.blogspot.com/
Also, Christy Keeler, PH.D. also had a great deal of information. I looked around at several of her blogs. Here’s a link to her blogs. http://www.blogger.com/profile/12090510919477425733
Another thing that I have learned is that the info is out there. Somebody, somewhere has done it before and my job will be easier because of it.
Until next time…..
July 12, 2008 at 1:29 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
I am definitely taking baby steps into the digital age. Just today I have registered on so many educational and technology sites. Each and every one has so many different opportunities to incorporate technology into the curriculum. Blogs, podcasts, wikis… the list goes on and on.
This year should be interesting. As a math teacher, I am excited to see how technology will enhance the classes I teach.
I’m off now to continue my quest for knowledge. Check back to see what wonderful and exciting gems I discover.
Until next time……..
