App Smash Reflection

Teaching math can sometimes be a difficult thing to make digital. I like using apps that are appropriate and easy to use in the physical classroom and in the digital classroom. The two apps I decided to use were Nearpod and Popplet. I have personally used Nearpod in my class before, but Popplet was recommended to me my a co-worker. Once I familiarized myself with Popplet, the two apps seemed to be a sensible smash.
Let's face it, teachers share have been using Power Points all the time. I choose Nearpod because the presentations are interactive. The students don't just watch the screen they have to participate. I also like Nearpod from a teacher's stand point because it offers a library of created presentations. Some are free and some are for a small fee. The one I used was created by Stephanie Filardo, a high school math teacher. 

All too many times, I have seen my students sit in class and look interested in the lesson only to go home and not remember a single thing they were taught. The idea behind having students to create a concept map of their own is to force them to make sense of the content in their own way. The Popplet can then be used later to study for upcoming test and quizzes. In essence the students are using the information that they are given to develop their own way of rationalizing information and studying. I think this is extremely appropriate and achievable for a set of honors students. For years, teacher have been providing students with concept maps and students merely had to fill in the blanks. Allowing students the opportunity to create their own illustrates for the teacher what the students  have identified to be important. 

I must admit I did have a small challenge with this activity. When I started to create my example Popplet, I had not created an account. I did not realize until after the Popplet was complete that there was no way to save or share the Popplet so that the YouTube video would be able to view. Therefore, I had to export my Popplet as a jpg file. If I could change anything, I would have created my account first. 

App Smash

Grade Level and Content: 8th Grade Algebra 1 Honors
Topic: Identifying Functions
Apps: Nearpod and Popplet

The students will learn about identifying function through a NearPod presentation. The students will interact with the presentation on their devices and take a short review quiz.
Nearpod Identifying Functions

Student will then create a concept map over what they have learned about functions using Popplet. Students cannot simply copy and paste notes. Pictures and online videos can be embedded as well.
Popplet

Example of final product

FRIT 7335 Intoduction

  

I started to delete this video and make another one because I made a few mistakes. Then I remembered that I'm not perfect or flawless. What better way to introduce myself than with my flaws and all. This is just who I am. A silly down to earth Georgia bell that likes to laugh and make others laugh. I never take myself to seriously.

Inquiry Learning

To me inquiry is a model of teaching that encourages self-discovery from students. It is a backwards approach to teaching where the students explore the concept and develop their own schema prior to be taught. It is problem solving at it's best in which the we apply abstract concepts to real life. It can be done through questioning and active learning. It makes learning engaging and excitement. I agree with Diana Laufenberg in the aspect that it is teaching and allowing students to fail because from failing they learn to actually learn. 

Mini- Lesson

After reading Engage, Enhance, and Extend by  Liz Keren-Kolb  I realized that I have to re-train my brain for my mini-lesson. My school is considered a International Academy, so for my mini-lesson I would really like to use the international concept as a way of bridging technology and math around the world. I would really like to Skype a math class in another county and have the students compare the ways they solve a particular concept in America and the other country. I believe that will be a neat way to extend math out side  of the normal classroom. Since testing is starting I  am really interested in developing mini-lessons that I can use soon as a way of trying out new ideas for next year. I have not seen many math students blog or create websites at my school. These are all ideas I would really like to try. 

What Type of Searcher Am I?

I am a not so proud member of the Google generation. I cannot function properly without the use of Google and the internet. It has become so bad that at any time watching television my husband and myself will Google something about the television show or the actors involved. When I need to spell a word, I Google. When I want a cool activity to use in class, I Google. I am only twenty-four, but I do remember a time in grade school where dictionaries and encyclopedias existed and were used often. Now, you have to reach students how to use a dictionary because they have no idea.
 My search habits are very similar to that of my students and other teens. Google and YouTube are used daily in my life. It may have something to do with my age. I have no idea, but  I am starting to think I need help because there has to be some kind of addiction.

Module 1 Resources. . .

When looking at the resources that are provided, I am overwhelmed by a feeling of excitement and fear. All of the resources seem to be related to blogging and online learning. I am starting to feel like I am actually a 21st century learner. This brings a since of joy. but it is also troubling. I don't know what it's going to be like. I am not use to doing this type of stuff. Blogging is very new to me. So far, it does feel very natural. I can feel a connect with my goal and the sites. This may just be the start of a new Mrs. Reynolds. One that blogs and communicates in social world about education.

My Learning Goals this semester. . . .
Generally people assume that because I am young I am into technology. Well in fact, that's so untrue. I like to use technology on my own time. However, I am not comfortable using it in the classroom. I am not accustomed to teachers using a lot of technology. It just feels wrong to me. I am hoping that this semester I get a lot better. This year is coming to an end soon. I would like to find things I can use for my students. Here are my goals:
1). Become more technologically advanced
2). Learn new things that I can bring into my classroom.
3). Become more comfortable with technology.