Podcasts In The Classroom

Click below to listen in on my idea.

Gabcast! Math Is Marvelous #2 - Podasts In The Classroom


Image: http://flickr.com/photos/roland/13479623/

Lisence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Flickr

Today I was instructed on how to use Flickr as an easier way to organize picures from a digital camera. It is a really neat idea that will end up saving me a lot of time and result in more opportunities to access these photos easily. If you have many different photos that you would like to organize, Flickr will allow you to tag each of them and bring them up by simply searching the tagged name. Flickr can be used in many different ways beyond personal family photos because of the many applications that would benefit the business and education world. In the education realm, Flickr would be great when taking pictures during a school event or project. Photos can be edited to your specifications through Picnik on the web. What a great resource!

Image: http://flickr.com/search/?l=4&w=all&q=light++Flicker&m=text

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

The Uses Of Wikis In 8th Grade Math

I am currently searching the web for a lot of different ways that middle school math teachers can use wikis as an instructional tool. I have looked at the following website created by Vicki Davis http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2005/12/wiki-wiki-teaching-art-of-using-wiki.html for many good ideas and it has been very informative. One use noted is that students can create collaborative review sheets. I really like this idea because some students are much better at organizing their thoughts and they could be a great study aide for others who struggle in this area. I could make it an assignment for each student to make at least two entries every chapter and they could make an entry at any time as we progress through the chapter. By the time we get to the end of the chapter, the whole class would have a great review compiled by themselves.

What are some other creative ideas that you have heard of regarding the use of wikis in the classroom?

Image: http://flickr.com/photos/cogdog/1627257/

Lisence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Using Blogs In 8th Grade Math Class

In reference to using blogs in my 8th grade math class, I have researched and brainstormed the following ideas so far.

1. A blog could be used to make parents and students aware of the weekly schedule including

daily assignments, projects, and tests. Parents

could ask questions as they arise.

2. A blog could be used each evening to ask questions regarding homework problems assigned each evening. A title could be made for each assignment given and students could correspond on the solution process. This will work in my 8th grade math classroom because I only hold the students responsible for a good attempt (showing work throughout) on the first homework assignment of each new concept.

3. A blog could be a good place to show class projects (videos, pictures, etc.) and get feedback on the successes of each project.

4. A blog could be used to post each new "Problem Of The Day" and also give answers to each as well.

5. A blog could be used to have students write concept summaries or chapter summaries. The Future Of Math website http://futureofmath.misterteacher.com/blogs2.html explains how they create a digital portfolio using blogs as an educational activity.

The keys to having success with blogs in the classroom are having students who can access the internet, the teacher teaching the students how to write a blog, and the teacher maintaining an accountability for the students by grading the blogs.

Image: http://flickr.com/photos/hmk/2047040339/
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Lifelong Learning

Today I have started learning how to use the internet in a new and exciting way. I have been introduced to this blog site and also created my first wiki. These things are pushing my comfort zone but most comfort zones are meant to be pushed if we are to continue our development as lifelong learners. We will always have to push ourselves past our current limitations to achieve future goals once thought to be unattainable. As a teacher at John R. Lea Middle School, I am constantly striving to get the students to push themselves to achieve ata high level and believe that they are in control of it actually happening. When we as teachers reach students and know that they have understood what it means to "go for it", the rewards are many for both the student and teacher. I challenge all of you to stay motivated and try to make a difference in each student's life as you work to educate them in your content area.

Image: http://flickr.com/photos/gregwestfall/2049488135/

Lisence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en