hippocampus revisited

Took my kids to computer lab and had them log onto my website, which then linked them to Hippocampus.  Oh my gosh!  I never thought I could do anything like this.  Anyway, they did some review of systems of equations and it was helpful for reinforcing what they had learned.  They also had a chance to explore topics they have been having problems with.  One of my kids cheered when he got a problem right, then caught himself when he realized he was excited about a math problem.  I told him not to worry, it was just his video game conditioning.

hippocampus

I like these lessons for review.  I want to take my algebra class to the computer lab this week to do a lesson on systems of equations.  I think they really need to review.  I set up a new website, algebra, with a link to my hippocampus account asking them to work through the lesson.  I like the pictures that they use to explain although we use a different approach to some things like factoring polynomials.  This would be an awesome thing for them to do when I am away.  I can set it up easily, it is something the sub can do without knowing any algebra, and I think they would like it as a change of pace.

thinkfinity

When I first looked at this today, I was quite worried.  I found a lesson plan for systems of equations.  Lesson 1 required a motion detector, lesson 2 required a football field and lesson 3 required graphing calculators for all the kids.  The next set of lessons required several RC racing cars.  Well, we have none of those tools and the chances of getting them are quite slim.  I went looking for lessons on slope and was relieved to find some that would work for my kids.  They are not so different from my problems in CPM, which is not surprising since the lessons are meant to be project based and hands on.  I found a worksheet that I liked with various slopes for them to work on.  I also found some practical applications like mileage that we can do as a class.  I was afraid when I started that the application for this would be wealthy schools, but am relieved that there are things I can use and I will try to start this week.

RSS

I have been exploring.  I deleted the first couple sites I was following.  They sounded great, but ended up being what I call "silly research", I guess that is my hard science background speaking.  But, when they decide to do a study on kids in prison and decide that they don't have social protection from doing negative things.  Well, duh.  Where were the controls?  What were you actually testing?  No wonder Skinner was such a big influence, at least he was pseudo scientific.  Enough ranting.  I found some very cool sites.  One math teacher was blogging about how his class was going.  Interesting, but maybe TMI for sharing with students.  Seemed more like self reflection.  I did find interesting science updates and algebra games.  Not much helpful for health, which surprised me.  Maybe I am asking the wrong questions.  The best things I found were quilting blogs.  Now, I feel like I am living that movie, Julie and Julia.  Anyway, back to topic, how to use in classroom.  Many, many ways.  I can bring in algebra games.  I can bring in interesting science topics, some will for sure relate to health.  I could send interested students to blogs to play math games.

how do I want to use technology in my classroom

I have already started, not directly in the classroom, but in the "worldwide classroom" by setting up on line things for my Europe interim class.  Anne and I set up a blog site to share with the kids.  I set up a google doc spreadsheet to deal with money.
I have to teach powerpoint, computer skills, etc in health next year.  My kids will not have access to the internet most of the time, but I will.  I can set up presentations, videos, etc.  My students will be able to work on the computers that were donated and bring in pictures, videos, etc with thumb drives.  I can't believe I am ending up teaching computer skills, it is so ironic!

my google spreadsheet

I spent lots of time last night working on my google docs spreadsheet dealing with money.  It is quite exciting that I managed to put this class to work again in a necessary school project!  Messing with the spreadsheet was very helpful.  It is nice to have someone to help, but messing around seems to be what I remember best.  I do hate it when I get totally stuck and can't get anywhere.  That's when I appreciate help the most.

welcome to spring

This feels very familiar.  It is especially exciting to actually be able to do fun things on the computer without feeling lost!  Of course feeling lost is a normal feeling and means I am learning new things.