Blog Post #14

Today I watched Jose Picardo's video called Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom. This list uses basically everything that we learned in EDM310. I am going to touch on each one and whether I think it is applicable or not to my being a math teacher.

1) Streaming video
This is an excellent idea to me. My students can go online, whether they missed the lesson completely or just need a review, and they can watch me doing the exact same lesson that I did in class. This is a must-have tool.

2) Music
This is a great thing to use. Putting my lessons on iTunes as well just makes them that much more accessible.

3) Teleconferencing
This could be used as well. I could Skype my kids and give them real-time solutions to their exact problems and questions, which a YouTube video will not do.

4) Interactive Exercises
This could be slightly useful to me. I could set this up, and if my students think that they need extra reinforcement on a subject, they could always do this.

5) Interactive Whiteboard
YESSSSS. Smart boards are amazing, and they can really be used to improve a lesson if you know how to use them.

6) Podcasts
I will not use this. I feel like math students need to see the problems laid out in front of them in a visual form to grasp it. Ever tried to just say a math formula? It gets hard to comprehend.

7) Blogs and Wikis
This is one that I just do not see as being very useful. Maybe it could be used to keep parents interested in what they are doing? If it is math-related, there is already a wiki for it.

8) Social Networks
Maybe post assignments on there for another reference point? I see this as another that parents could watch so they make sure kids do their homework.

9) Internet Tools
These could be used at a limited extent to help my students be motivated, sure. I wish he would have elaborated on this topic more.

10) Gadgets
Make the most of my student's gadgets. Well since iPods and phones are basically banned from high schools then I could see this being an issue. I would mention to them that YouTube is accessible from their phones. Just do not use them in school! Not that I necessarily believe these rules are just, but rules are rules I guess!

My Final Reflections

Final PLN Progress Report

My PLN has been developing slowly over the semester but developing regardless. I have found a few great sites that have great math ideas when it comes to teaching. Even some of the C4T I have done had useful information, and I added them as well. My PLN really is not as well-developed as some that I have seen, but I think it is okay for what is applicable to me as a math teacher. I'm glad that I have this, so I can use it as a point of reference later when I actually get out into my career. I have not provided a link on this one because it is on my two previous posts. Good day!

C4T #4 - Final C4T

For this C4T, I was assigned to Wisdom Begins with Wonder by Tyler Rice, a high school teacher in Washington.

For his first post that I commented on, he focuses on effective feedback - so applicable to EDM310! He basically says everything that Dr. Strange told us about feedback. It is obviously (if you don't know the answer already, click that little X at one of the top corners of the screen) that we need to compliment the good things first with enthusiasm, but afterwards, make sure to comment on the bad things... Basically trying not to step on any toes because no one likes that apparently.

Of course I agreed with him, and I know I don't like for someone to be so negative when they look at my work. Usually when someone just bashes my work, it sort of pisses me off to be honest, but if they compliment on the good then the bad afterwards, it helps result in less ego damage.

For his second post, he said basically that all new teachers are going to make mistakes. The main thing to take from this is that we need to learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves (duh?). Just "reflect" on your experiences and improve! The main difference between a novice teacher and a master is "intentionality", he says. We need to intend to do good, and apparently the only way you can do that is with experience.

I commented and said that I do agree with him when he says that we need to all learn from our mistakes. Surprisingly, this is not the first time that I have been told that. . . Anyways, I said I also disagree that new teachers can't do good things on purpose. That is just rubbish!