Describe how your students learn best.
Students learn best when they are actively engaged. The more the they are involved the more they learn. Although there are times when they must sit and copy notes or listen to their boring teacher (me) I try to make sure that after that I have some activity for them to practice. In math students must practice the concepts to learn the material.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Day 3 Morning
Describe your teaching.
Wow, that is a loaded question! When I teach I guess I have two main areas that I focus on. First is my subject content (math) and making it clear to my students. I am a big believer in listing out steps for procedures and modeling problem solving techniques. I give students many examples so that they have something to refer to when it is time for them to work problems on their own.
My second focus is relating the content to my students and making it interesting to them. I was once asked in an interview how I did this and my reply was "Any way I can!" I use buying a car (What 8th grader doesn't want a car?) to teach interest and tax and then on to unit rate (mpg). Later when we study linear equations and rate of change I can refer back to the car and mpg. For some topics I rely on the students to relate it to their lives. They can certainly come up with some strange connections, but if it works I'm okay with it.
I try to make sure my students know that I care about them as individuals. If they know you care, they are more trusting and more willing to work for you.
Wow, that is a loaded question! When I teach I guess I have two main areas that I focus on. First is my subject content (math) and making it clear to my students. I am a big believer in listing out steps for procedures and modeling problem solving techniques. I give students many examples so that they have something to refer to when it is time for them to work problems on their own.
My second focus is relating the content to my students and making it interesting to them. I was once asked in an interview how I did this and my reply was "Any way I can!" I use buying a car (What 8th grader doesn't want a car?) to teach interest and tax and then on to unit rate (mpg). Later when we study linear equations and rate of change I can refer back to the car and mpg. For some topics I rely on the students to relate it to their lives. They can certainly come up with some strange connections, but if it works I'm okay with it.
I try to make sure my students know that I care about them as individuals. If they know you care, they are more trusting and more willing to work for you.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day 2 Shutdown Power Off
Today went much faster than yesterday. I think I started 4 different worlds, but I only have 1 to show for all my work! I feel more comfortable using the program, but I still have a lot to learn. I'm trying to write down as much as I can, but most of this you just have to learn by doing it. Oliver did show me short cuts for moving and rotating objects that I think will help a lot.
I still need to decide on a story line and what type of math I want to incorporate. Once I have that decided I think I will feel better about this.
I still need to decide on a story line and what type of math I want to incorporate. Once I have that decided I think I will feel better about this.
Day 2 Afternoon
How does the technology you currently use enhance your students learning and your teaching? How do you know?
Students seem more interested anytime I use technology. When we use the graphing calculators we can move faster and it's easier for students to see relationships. I find that I have to plan more when I am going to use technology in a lesson. But I think that makes my lessons better. I believe that the technology enhances student learning based on the response to the lessons.
Students seem more interested anytime I use technology. When we use the graphing calculators we can move faster and it's easier for students to see relationships. I find that I have to plan more when I am going to use technology in a lesson. But I think that makes my lessons better. I believe that the technology enhances student learning based on the response to the lessons.
Day 2 Morning
How do you currently use technology in your classroom?
I use a lot of PowerPoint presentations when I need to show notes, formulas, or examples that all students need to know. This frees me up to answer individual questions (when before I would be at the overhead writing it out for each class) and I can print the notes for students who are absent. I also use graphing calculators, once students have learned to graph by hand. I can go to the computer lab and use ClassScape for assessments. There is also the Orchard program which I used this year for remediation.
As an eighth grade teacher I am also responsible for getting students ready for the computer skills test. Last year for the first few months of school we spent a lot of time working on spreadsheets and databases. This year I want to create lessons that include the 8th grade math SCOS objectives with the computer skills objectives.
I use a lot of PowerPoint presentations when I need to show notes, formulas, or examples that all students need to know. This frees me up to answer individual questions (when before I would be at the overhead writing it out for each class) and I can print the notes for students who are absent. I also use graphing calculators, once students have learned to graph by hand. I can go to the computer lab and use ClassScape for assessments. There is also the Orchard program which I used this year for remediation.
As an eighth grade teacher I am also responsible for getting students ready for the computer skills test. Last year for the first few months of school we spent a lot of time working on spreadsheets and databases. This year I want to create lessons that include the 8th grade math SCOS objectives with the computer skills objectives.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day 1 Shutdown Power Off
Today was a day of waiting. However I finally have everything downloaded and installed. I was able to create and play around in a new world. There is a lot that I still have to learn! Right now it is scary to think about creating a game, but I think that once I feel comfortable with the programs that it will be okay. I see much potential in this program!
Day 1 Afternoon
Why are you here?
When I heard about this program I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I am always trying to use more technology in my classroom. This program sounded different from all the other computer games and programs that we currently use.
What are you excited about?
I'm excited about creating a game for my students that will help them with difficult concepts.
What are you concerned about?
I'm concerned about making the game interesting for the students. I want them to want to play it, but I also want to make sure the game is really reinforcing what is taught in class.
When I heard about this program I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I am always trying to use more technology in my classroom. This program sounded different from all the other computer games and programs that we currently use.
What are you excited about?
I'm excited about creating a game for my students that will help them with difficult concepts.
What are you concerned about?
I'm concerned about making the game interesting for the students. I want them to want to play it, but I also want to make sure the game is really reinforcing what is taught in class.
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