I can't speak for everyone else, but I know that I enjoyed my time away from being a graduate student. It was a nice period of time to catch up with family, grade some papers, and watch some football. However, all things considered, I was ready to get back to work again.
With 515 starting last Tuesday, it was clear that this class was going to be a touch different. As 510 was more of a technical analysis of how computers work, this class appears to be more of an examination of how to incorporate different technological tools. For starters, using the TypeWithMe document was pretty interesting. I thought it was cool how it color coded typing, and also allowed for multiple people to type at the same time. It was also different to have to read chapters on technological idealogies. It was very informative to read the different takes on how to apply technology to an effective learner model, along with how a school should set up a technology program. Another change of pace was using a graphics program to create an image. I'm not saying I'm now an expert image creator, but it was still very fun/informative. Finally, before 510, I really had no idea there were online presentation tools. I was always under the impression that PowerPoint had a monopoly on technological presentation tools. However, with the beginning of this class, I've been able to broaden my horizons by viewing many other programs.
I feel the content from this class will be quite helpful to my classroom instruction. For example, I could certainly see myself using some sort of graphics program to specifically illustrate 3-D shapes. Also, the TypeWithMe feature could specifically host a study session for my advanced mathematics class.
In summation, I think 515 will be a different experience than 510, but informative none-the-less. I know I'll certainly gain some knowledge that will aid my classroom instruction.
I can relate to getting used to that little break in class to reconnect and cstch up with life, only to get back into the swing of things!
ReplyDeleteWere you able to find a graphics program that made creating 3-dimensional objects easy? I would be interested in checking that out as a resource. Also, how would you use that in your classroom? Would you create a slide presentation using one of the online programs or power point? Or would you use the images in a print format? If I recall correctly, you have interactive whiteboards at your school, which would make a real impression on the students if they could see you create / manipulate the objects right in front of their eyes!
I am interested in hearing more about the programs you find most effective in your math classroom. Math can be a tough subject area for a lot of students, so whatever can be done to make it relevant and easier to for those students to understand would make it a win-win situation!
Jared - Since I am so horrible at math, I would love a feature like TypeWithMe! When I was in high school, I had a math teacher soph. and senior year who just sat me next to the smartest girl in class (our valedictorian) and let us work together on all of our work. She was even allowed to send me in the right direction on quizzes and tests. It doesn't mean that I got everything right (she did not share answers with me). That was a lifesaver for me, though. Now, you could have two students work on TypeWithMe together and see both of them doing the work!
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