Emerging Technologies for MS Math

In my building, and probably within my district, I am among the few that are not part of the Google fan club.   It is not because I have anything against Google or Classroom, in face I find Google to be innovative and creative with their products and interfaces.   I am a creature of habit and stick with what’s comfortable.   That being said, I know I need a change.   As I change grade levels next year, Google Classroom is among one of the many new things I will begin to learn. This research is definitely helping ease my mind for that transition.   One of my goals for the upcoming year is to increase student collaboration.   Google has created a collaborative culture.   Therefore, in order to start simple, I will have students work together in Google Docs to brainstorm for projects, pose questions, and contribute to discussions.   Christopher Pappas, in his article Google Classroom: A Free Learning Management System For eLearni...

Researching what devices should be used in schools seems a bit useless when in a district where the device is chosen for you.  However, I took this opportunity to to expand my knowledge in case change happens in the future.  Right now, my middle school students are 1:1 with iPads.  When they move to HS, it is a BYOD culture.  For this reason, I did my research on using smartphones in the classroom.  (*Side note: this will mostly apply to MS and HS only) Now, before you stop reading because of the absurdity of letting students bring their phones to class, let me assure you I was there too.  In fact, my school has a policy in place that does not allow phones in the classroom.  However, I think schools should reconsider.  Meg Ormiston from TeachHUB.com reminds us that most students have invested a lot of time in learning how to navigate their cell phone, understanding it's capabilities and limitations.  More importantly, using their cell phon...

Digital Citizenship ought to be something that we are continuously learning about as educators and teaching to our students.   As a technology tool in introduced to a classroom, appropriate uses should naturally be a part of that instructional piece.   There are many different topics under the umbrella of digital citizenship as discussed in an article posted by Edutopia .   Students need to learn how to stay safe and keep their content safe, they need to know how to browse and post responsibly, and they need to be literate in digital content.   Not all of this can or should be taught at the same time.   If we want students to understand and soak it in and practice it, we should teach it as they need it.   This will lead to more authentic discussion and hopefully leave a lasting impression for future use. I especially liked the video in our lesson about digital footprints.   Videos I’ve seen in the past were more focused on the...

  Blended learning is changing the traditional educational model of learning.   The ability to present content to students via technology creates opportunities for teachers and students to enhance and build necessary life skills.   Horn and Staker mention four categories that schools can now give more attention to with the help of the blended learning model: Deeper Learning, Safe Care, Wraparound Services, and Fun with Friends and Extracurricular Activities.   While all of these categories are important and vital in training students to be positive participants in society, I personally see the most critical need is Deeper Learning.   I would rank Deeper Learning to be the top priority in my school community, followed by Wraparound Services, Fun with Friends, and finally Safe Care.        In the traditional educational model, students sit and get information.   This is not helping anyone.   This method does not...

Emerging is an accurate depiction of my technology use in the classroom.  Technology is slowly coming into view but has a long journey ahead before it's implemented fluently.  My school is 1-to-1 with iPads so one may think I'd be an expert by now.  However, as much as my heart and mind long for a redesign of instruction through the use of technology, I'm just not there.  Time is an enemy to any educator and I am no exception.  Even though we have the world at our fingertips, it doesn't mean that it's easy or quick to filter through the vast supply of ideas.  That's one reason I'm stuck in between substitution and augmentation on the SAMR model.  I've tampered with Modification but I've yet to do so successfully - at least in my own eyes.   I teach Middle School Math and although my colleagues are among the best (in my biased opinion) I still often hear the phrase, 'math is a paper and pencil subject.'  With that mentality still drivi...