Some of tech gadgets that I have come to depend on since being introduced to them over the years that I would not want to have to give up are as follows:
1. The most important piece of technology equipment that I have come to depend on working daily is my desktop and laptop. I use both at school because I use my desktop which is supplied by the school, for data input and maintaining student information. I use my laptop to connect to my Promethean Board so that I don't have to worry about students accidentally gaining access to information that they should not have access to.
2. Along with my computers I have come to depend on my printers working. It would make life very difficult if I could not print out the documents that I have created or tests needed for class.
3. The Promethean Board is a tool that not only I use but the students in my class love to participate when they are able to work on the Promethean Board. This is one piece of equipment that is difficult to have to adjust to not using one you become accustom to having it in the classroom. About a week after we returned from Christmas break the bulb in my projector blew and it took almost six weeks for the replacement bulb to come in and my student would ask me everyday when it was going to be repaired, and I would have to answer by saying, "As soon as the bulb comes in".
4. The LCD projector is a required piece of equipment for the Promethean Board to work. In addition to working on the Promethean I like using the LCD projector with my laptop just for the projection as well as using it with the Hovercam or Elmo.
5. At a previous school where I worked, I has access to an Elmo document camera. At my current school I have a HoverCam. Personally, it does not matter to me which one I have as long as I can maintain access to a document camera.
6. I enjoy using graphing calculators with my Algebra classes.
7. I have come to depend on an web-based software called, KutaSoftware.com, and have purchased the Algebra 1 version of the software. This software allows me to create multiple worksheets and multiple versions of the same worksheet if needed. Students and parents can also go to the website and download sample worksheets and are provided with the answers.
8. I use Exam View Pro, that come with textbooks purchased to create tests that correlate with the Common Core and the textbooks that we are currently using.
9. I learned about Bubbl.us through the Education Technology class and plan to continue to use it with future classes and units.
10. I recently started using Edmodo for my classes, it allows me to stay in contact with the students and provides a way for students to keep up with work that has been assigned to the class, especially if they are absent, as well as stay in contact with their classmates.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Week Six - Mobile Apps for Mathematics
Some mobile apps that are available for Mathematics are as follows:
WolframAlpha - A knowledge engine that not only computes simple and complex calculations, but also contains links to related problem sets as might be found in a search engine. It is available for the iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, the nook, the Kindle Fire as well as all other computers that have access to the internet.
Edmodo - Edmodo is a secure, social learning platform for teachers, students, schools and districts. They provide a safe and easy way for a class to connect and collaborate, share content and access homework, grades and school notices. Their goal is to help educators harness the power of social media to customize the classroom for each and every learner. Edmodo will run on any device that has access to the internet.
Geoboard, by The Math Learning Center - The Geoboard is a tool for exploring a variety of mathematical topics introduced in the elementary and middle grades. Learners stretch bands around pegs to form line segments and polygons and make discoveries about perimeter, area, angles, congruence, fractions, and more. This software is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Sketchpad Explorer - Sketchpad Explorer allows you to drag, manipulate and animate visual mathematics to develop and generalize your understanding of fundamental concepts across elementary math, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and beyond. Based on the award-winning software The Geometer’s Sketchpad®, the Sketchpad Explorer app allows you to interact with, and investigate, any document created in Sketchpad. With a simple, powerful multitouch interface, Sketchpad Explorer puts mathematical comprehension at your fingertips. This software is compatible with the iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later
Algebra 1 by WAGmob - WAGmob brings you Simple 'n Easy, on-the-go learning app for Algebra I.The app helps you understand the basics in a nice and organized manner. App tools include search and facebook integration. Features of the App include tutorials, quizzes, and flashcards. This is not a free app. The cost at the time of this posting is $1.99. This software is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This developer has software available from the 3rd grade level through Calculus, as well as SATand GMAT Math.
WolframAlpha - A knowledge engine that not only computes simple and complex calculations, but also contains links to related problem sets as might be found in a search engine. It is available for the iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, the nook, the Kindle Fire as well as all other computers that have access to the internet.
Edmodo - Edmodo is a secure, social learning platform for teachers, students, schools and districts. They provide a safe and easy way for a class to connect and collaborate, share content and access homework, grades and school notices. Their goal is to help educators harness the power of social media to customize the classroom for each and every learner. Edmodo will run on any device that has access to the internet.
Geoboard, by The Math Learning Center - The Geoboard is a tool for exploring a variety of mathematical topics introduced in the elementary and middle grades. Learners stretch bands around pegs to form line segments and polygons and make discoveries about perimeter, area, angles, congruence, fractions, and more. This software is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Sketchpad Explorer - Sketchpad Explorer allows you to drag, manipulate and animate visual mathematics to develop and generalize your understanding of fundamental concepts across elementary math, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and beyond. Based on the award-winning software The Geometer’s Sketchpad®, the Sketchpad Explorer app allows you to interact with, and investigate, any document created in Sketchpad. With a simple, powerful multitouch interface, Sketchpad Explorer puts mathematical comprehension at your fingertips. This software is compatible with the iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later
Algebra 1 by WAGmob - WAGmob brings you Simple 'n Easy, on-the-go learning app for Algebra I.The app helps you understand the basics in a nice and organized manner. App tools include search and facebook integration. Features of the App include tutorials, quizzes, and flashcards. This is not a free app. The cost at the time of this posting is $1.99. This software is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This developer has software available from the 3rd grade level through Calculus, as well as SATand GMAT Math.
Week Five - Good Digital Citizenship
Why should a person worry about what they place on the internet?
Most people do not realize that once something is placed on the internet it may never truly be removed from the access of others. Once someone accesses the information that an individual places on Facebook, a personal webpage, a blog or twitter someone else may access the information if they know how even the individual thinks they have removed it.
People should demonstrate good citizenship skills on the internet just as they should when they are face to face with individuals. Just as there are rules of proper engagement in society there are rules for proper engagement on the internet. A person should not post information about someone that can cause emotional distress to another person. There have been cases of teenagers committing suicide because of cyber bullying and false information being place on blogs or Facebook.
Teenagers need to be very careful about the information that they place on the internet because they will some day be trying to apply to go to a college or to obtain a job that they will not get because the college or the prospective employer can search for information on the internet that has been posted and it will affect the decision they make about admitting the person to their school or hiring them or a job in their firm
Most people do not realize that once something is placed on the internet it may never truly be removed from the access of others. Once someone accesses the information that an individual places on Facebook, a personal webpage, a blog or twitter someone else may access the information if they know how even the individual thinks they have removed it.
People should demonstrate good citizenship skills on the internet just as they should when they are face to face with individuals. Just as there are rules of proper engagement in society there are rules for proper engagement on the internet. A person should not post information about someone that can cause emotional distress to another person. There have been cases of teenagers committing suicide because of cyber bullying and false information being place on blogs or Facebook.
Teenagers need to be very careful about the information that they place on the internet because they will some day be trying to apply to go to a college or to obtain a job that they will not get because the college or the prospective employer can search for information on the internet that has been posted and it will affect the decision they make about admitting the person to their school or hiring them or a job in their firm
Week Four - Material Generator
The material generators that I have used and continue to use in my classroom are: Microsoft Word, and Word Perfect for word processing, Publisher and Adobe PageMaker for desktop publishing, ExamView and Kuta Software, for creating test and worksheets, and ActiveInspire software for the Promethean board.
When I first began teaching I would use Work Perfect to create my tests and documents for the classroom but now I use Microsoft Word and have not used Work Perfect for over fifteen years now. I began using Word Perfect because that was what I had access to and my friends used it.
As all new teacher know when you are in the first years of teaching you agree to do anything that the principal asks you to do and I was asked to sponsor the school news paper and yearbook. I had to learn to Publisher and PageMaker for those activities.
Most book companies provide you with software that will create tests that are correlated to the book and the current state standards. I currently use Exam View Pro which was provided with the textbook. I also purchased an online software that will allow you make your own worksheets and test. KutaSoftware.com is, in my opinion, a great software that provides you with access to free worksheets and for a minimal expense you can purchase an individual account for access that will allow you to personalize your worksheets.
Just this school year I gained access to a Promethean board and am currently in the process of learning how to use the software ActiveInspire, it has some really neat applications that will allow you change the background from plain white, notebook paper and graph paper. I hope to be able to attend some workshops during the summer to learn more about the things that the Promethean Board will do.
When I first began teaching I would use Work Perfect to create my tests and documents for the classroom but now I use Microsoft Word and have not used Work Perfect for over fifteen years now. I began using Word Perfect because that was what I had access to and my friends used it.
As all new teacher know when you are in the first years of teaching you agree to do anything that the principal asks you to do and I was asked to sponsor the school news paper and yearbook. I had to learn to Publisher and PageMaker for those activities.
Most book companies provide you with software that will create tests that are correlated to the book and the current state standards. I currently use Exam View Pro which was provided with the textbook. I also purchased an online software that will allow you make your own worksheets and test. KutaSoftware.com is, in my opinion, a great software that provides you with access to free worksheets and for a minimal expense you can purchase an individual account for access that will allow you to personalize your worksheets.
Just this school year I gained access to a Promethean board and am currently in the process of learning how to use the software ActiveInspire, it has some really neat applications that will allow you change the background from plain white, notebook paper and graph paper. I hope to be able to attend some workshops during the summer to learn more about the things that the Promethean Board will do.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Week Three - Instructional Software
In today's fast pace world we seem to take for granted that there is always some form of software that will fulfill the needs of our students. There are five types of instructional software. They are: Drill and Practice, Tutorial, Simulation, Instructional Game and Problem Solving.
Some examples of Drill and Practice is the flashcard creation software quizlet: it can be found at http://quizlet.com/ or you may clink on this link, quizlet. Another example of a Drill and Practice software is SAT Prep Course that will help you study and prepare to the SAT.
Tutorial software is expected to be a self-contained instructional process rather than a supplement to instruction, students should be able to learn the topic without any other help or materials. Some example of this is would be Math Lessons that are Fun and Khan Academy.
Simulation software allows for students to create a virtual real world and investigate different situations without having to take the risks of physical or monetary damages actually occurring. Simulation software has been used by NASA and the Armed Services to prepare soldiers and pilots for situations that can not be practice without risk to the person. Flight Gear is a flight simulation software that can be downloaded for free.
Instructional software should be to help keep students engaged in the learning process and assist the teacher but should not be used as the only means of instruction. Instructional software should not bring out aggressive behaviors in students. It should be fun and help the student stay focused and engaged. The Jeopardy style game allows students to review the materials learned in class.
Software that can be used to help students with problem solving skills provides good, hands-on experiences.
Geometer's Sketchpad helps students to draw objects and investigate their mathematical properties. Geogebra is a free software that can be used in most Algebra and Geometry classes in high school.
There are many websites where you can find free software for almost every aspect of your classroom.
Some examples of Drill and Practice is the flashcard creation software quizlet: it can be found at http://quizlet.com/ or you may clink on this link, quizlet. Another example of a Drill and Practice software is SAT Prep Course that will help you study and prepare to the SAT.
Tutorial software is expected to be a self-contained instructional process rather than a supplement to instruction, students should be able to learn the topic without any other help or materials. Some example of this is would be Math Lessons that are Fun and Khan Academy.
Simulation software allows for students to create a virtual real world and investigate different situations without having to take the risks of physical or monetary damages actually occurring. Simulation software has been used by NASA and the Armed Services to prepare soldiers and pilots for situations that can not be practice without risk to the person. Flight Gear is a flight simulation software that can be downloaded for free.
Instructional software should be to help keep students engaged in the learning process and assist the teacher but should not be used as the only means of instruction. Instructional software should not bring out aggressive behaviors in students. It should be fun and help the student stay focused and engaged. The Jeopardy style game allows students to review the materials learned in class.
Software that can be used to help students with problem solving skills provides good, hands-on experiences.
Geometer's Sketchpad helps students to draw objects and investigate their mathematical properties. Geogebra is a free software that can be used in most Algebra and Geometry classes in high school.
There are many websites where you can find free software for almost every aspect of your classroom.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Web 2.0
As one of the assignments for Technology and Education class that I am currently taking for Grad School, I worked with several of the "Web 2.0" resources available to teachers.
I used bubbl.us, animoto, glogster, and voicethread for my project.
I would have to say that bubbl.us, for making concept maps, was may favorite one to work with and then glogster, for making a poster, was my second choice.
Animoto and voicethread were my least two favorites to use. I can see how they could be useful if the students were to use either to discuss the mathematicians or how a mathematical idea was developed through time.
In fact, I shared my concept map with another teacher and they like it well enough that I gave them the web address so they could create their own concept maps. (After all, we have to share with each other. Right?)
Here is my concept map for polygons:
.jpg)
I used bubbl.us, animoto, glogster, and voicethread for my project.
I would have to say that bubbl.us, for making concept maps, was may favorite one to work with and then glogster, for making a poster, was my second choice.
Animoto and voicethread were my least two favorites to use. I can see how they could be useful if the students were to use either to discuss the mathematicians or how a mathematical idea was developed through time.
In fact, I shared my concept map with another teacher and they like it well enough that I gave them the web address so they could create their own concept maps. (After all, we have to share with each other. Right?)
Here is my concept map for polygons:
.jpg)
Week Two - Should Students Play Games In School?
If we think back to our own days in grade school and remember the things that we enjoyed the most, for many of us it was the time we got to play on the monkey bars or swing on the swings or even playing dodge ball. It therefore seems almost impossible that someone should say that students should not be allowed to play computer games in school, as for many of them the computer is their playground. There were many life lessons learned on the playground by most students and that is still true today.
There are going to always be those who claim that there is too much entertainment going on in the American classroom today, and at times I am one of those who not only says it but screams it. However, I do believe that when used appropriately as a supplement or to reinforce the lesson that is currently be covered there is nothing wrong with the use of games. The games cannot be used as the sole means for the student to achieve success in the class, however. I have seen students improve their vocabulary with the use of a teacher made Jeopardy board that is specific for the course and some student have used alge-blaster to improve their skills in solving equations and other mathematical skills.
The goal that all educators should have is for their students to be successful in life as well as the classroom, and with the tech-no savvy student of today the "old folks" like myself sometimes have to be pulled into the 21th century and realize that sometimes technology can reach the students that a blackboard and chalk cannot.
The one thing we all have to realized is that the "old ways" still work but we should also be open to trying the "new ways" too.
There are going to always be those who claim that there is too much entertainment going on in the American classroom today, and at times I am one of those who not only says it but screams it. However, I do believe that when used appropriately as a supplement or to reinforce the lesson that is currently be covered there is nothing wrong with the use of games. The games cannot be used as the sole means for the student to achieve success in the class, however. I have seen students improve their vocabulary with the use of a teacher made Jeopardy board that is specific for the course and some student have used alge-blaster to improve their skills in solving equations and other mathematical skills.
The goal that all educators should have is for their students to be successful in life as well as the classroom, and with the tech-no savvy student of today the "old folks" like myself sometimes have to be pulled into the 21th century and realize that sometimes technology can reach the students that a blackboard and chalk cannot.
The one thing we all have to realized is that the "old ways" still work but we should also be open to trying the "new ways" too.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Week One - Introduction
Hello Everyone,
I was beginning to think that I was going to have to wait until tomorrow when I was at school to do this blog. Misery is a computer course when your computer does not want to work!!
Hope everyone is off to a great start.
After this class I have two Math classes and one more Education course to finish my degree.
Best of luck to everyone!
I was beginning to think that I was going to have to wait until tomorrow when I was at school to do this blog. Misery is a computer course when your computer does not want to work!!
Hope everyone is off to a great start.
After this class I have two Math classes and one more Education course to finish my degree.
Best of luck to everyone!
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