Web 2.0 – what’s the big deal?
So I wrote this once and pressed publish and then left the page, went back, it didn’t publish, Word press doesn’t automatically save drafts – #@*%!!!!!
I like this blog post on Pinterest.com http://digitaldivideandconquer.blogspot.com/2014/02/tried-it-tuesday-thinglink.html the author has a lesson on math; shapes and area but also incorporates technology into the lesson with pictures from their field trips as well as video clips from the Internet. This would keep the children engaged and could be used in conjunction with the SmartBoard.
Another tool to use as a teacher is GeoGebra.org, we used this program in our Math 336 class and it really helped us to visualize the geometry we were working on.
The first article from Spigot.org I found is called Engaging Youth; 7 epic ways. It sounded really intriguing and in fact, it is. A lot of the information is stuff we know, common sense sort of things, but they are always good reminders. Sangita Shresthova points out that you should be as personal as possible. The students will become more engaged and will open up to you as well. This adds a level of vulnerability to your classroom and in turn, it may add a better dynamic. She based her tips on information gained from a webinar and her seven tips are these: 1. Learn to listen, really listen, 2. Create a safe space, 3. Meet youth “where they are at”, 4. Allow civics and politics to surface in unexpected spaces, 5. Commit to diversity and include a broad range of issues, 6. Recognize that resources matter but are not the only support people need as they develop their civic identity, and 7. Make participation less daunting.
The next article is from vox.com stating how The common core makes simple math more complicated. Here’s why. I chose this because my focus as a teacher will be in math. This article talks about how it is easier to teach a student the formula and who cares if they understand what it is they are doing – that’s how many of us were taught. Thing are changing and it is no longer good enough to be able to do the problem, the student needs to understand the problem. I disagree with the article, although the common core standards may seem a little more complex, don’t we want our kids to understand why they need to do the math?
References:
Sangita Shresthova, http://dmlcentral.net/blog/sangita-shresthova/engaging-youth-7-epic-tips
Libby Nelson, http://www.vox.com/2014/4/20/5625086/the-common-core-makes-simple-math-more-complicated-heres-why
http://digitaldivideandconquer.blogspot.com/2014/02/tried-it-tuesday-thinglink.html
