While I have seen many interesting ways to use blogs in classrooms this week, I still do not know what direction I would like mine to go into. Knowing a website called Blackboard will begin next year for my Algebra I and Geometry classes, I cannot think of a reason for every student to have their own blog when they will have access to links, classroom calendar, and postings boards on the blackboard website already (why reinvent the wheel right?).
In January of this year I started following Math Teacher Mambo. She is great at giving ideas and showing off what is currently happening in her precalculus and geometry classes. I could see my blog going this way as well - to use as an outlet for what is happening in class and any cool things (technology and math related) I find.
To get the students in the mindset of visiting a blog I have thought about setting up a weekly post about something related to what we are studying in class. The first few students to answer questions correctly about the post/article in class will receive a prize of some sort. Also, I always have students asking for extra credit and I could post extra credit application problems on the page.
Another idea would be to post an article related to our current topic and have the students read it outside of class. Within class we could discuss the mathematics application part behind the article. Students learn through discussions and it is something I wish occurred more in my current classroom. The difference between this idea and the previous one is that it would be mandatory for the students to read the article during this time.
I am struggling with other ways to implement blogs. I already have a classroom website which can be found here. It has homework listings, PDF files of the notes, and other information for parents and students.
Anyone else feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities on the web? I want to implement it all, but I do not want to weigh down my students either.
-Danielle
Danielle, it's not hard to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Our IT specialist is constantly showing us new things on the web or ways to use what we know and we come out of staff meeting with heads spinning! One thing she said though was great advice. You do not have to use it all. Pick one thing at a time, implement it, reflect on it from your perspective and how your students responded and go from there. When I think back to my first year in the classroom and how much I have evolved using technology, it is a step by step process.
ReplyDeleteDeborah,
DeleteI agree it is a step by step process. I just get too excited and want to try it all! This year I have had to take a step back, as we received a new textbook curriculum this year and I started the masters program. In math, we depended more on our textbook's layout than other subjects do. The setup of the new algebra and geometry textbook is a lot different from what we had in the past so that means new lessons and ideas. I really feel like I am back at year 1 of teaching. All that said, I have had to step back from trying new technology and instead work with what I know a lot about and feel comfortable with already.
Danielle
ReplyDeleteI too feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities of technology but it is a truly exciting time in education.
I typically try to pick one thing and implement that, once I get comfortable with that I venture on to new domains. Currently I'm mainly using technology as a resource to strengthen math skills. I have a number of links on my school website mostly sorted by math standard. I also have a link to Acuity which are tests that predict the students' outcome on our state test. Any questions missed on the three Acuity tests throughout the year are automatically assigned to the student through lessons and practice questions.
My question for you is about Blackboard. I have never used this site/feature, is it free? Is it similar to Edmodo? My school just got an Edmodo domain this week so mastering that is next on my to-do list!
Will you be able to add links to videos of lessons (there are a number available on the web like the Khan Academy and Hoodamath) for students who miss lessons or simply need to revisit the information? Could your students create their own "how-to" videos and explain assigned math topics as part of their grade?
It would be also great to communicate with local engineers or others who use math in a specific way. They could present a monthly challenge question to motivate your students to push themselves to the next level and to help them see the connection between what they are learning in class and how it applies to the real world.
Mindy,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea of having resources linked under standards. Would you be willing to share your website?
Blackboard is not free. Our district purchased a license this past year. I have not been able to physically attend the training yet (which is also online). It is similar to Edmodo, but more in depth. Our elementary/middle schools will be using Edmodo and the high schools will be using Blackboard.
I know as a teacher I can put videos on the site, or also just post the link, but I am not sure students can upload videos directly to the site. I have not seen that capability at least.