Final Project

For this final project, I chose a lesson plan on multiplying polynomials, that I have previously done for my English Language Learners class. I made alterations needed to fit the needs for this assignment. I began the lesson by giving the students the vocabulary needed and asked them to work in groups and come up with a definition for each term. The groups typed in their definitions on their iPads, which were sent directly to the Smartboard, and the class could then decide on the final definitions that they all wrote down.

Now, that the students had the needed ground work, I would explain that we are going to learn how to multiply polynomials. I would write several examples on the Smartboard, and model a couple for the students. Next, I would ask them to help me multiply the rest and tell me exactly what to do step by step. I would then pose several questions to the students to get them to think and notice what happens when we multiply a monomial x monomial, monomial x binomial, binomial x binomial, and binomial x trinomial.

Since, all the students have iPads, we can make great use of them. There is a website called National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, contains a list of virtual "hands-on" tools for students to use while using a computer during a lesson or while doing homework. All students would go on the website, and hit the algebra tiles manipulative. This tool teaches students how to multiply polynomials using algebra tiles. The students would work individually on several problems and then I would open the website on the Smartboard, so we could discuss as a class what they have learned. While, the students worked individually, I would have walked around to assess informally if they understand the concept.

Next, the students would research a polynomial multiplication video with their groups on SchoolTube, to get a different way of instruction, in case they did not understand when I explained it. Students should now be ready for a real life application. They will be given a problem, and asked to work it out using polynomial multiplication. I would be walking around offering help, but the students can also use the virtual algebra tiles, the videos, or any methods we have learned in class thus far to come up with a solution.

In this final part of the lesson, we would have a large group discussion to organize and clarify all that they have learned in the lesson. Students would be encouraged to ask questions, which other students or I could answer. Everyone would make a list of the recurring themes or patterns they have noticed when multiplying polynomials and email it to themselves.

For homework, students would be asked to write a short poem, story, or song and create a video for multiplying polynomials. We would watch all the videos in class and take a poll, on Kwipoll, which allows teachers to take a poll of the class, and the winning video would be uploaded on SchoolTube. This should get the students excited and while making the video they will gain a better understanding of multiplying polynomials.

In this lesson, the students used a variety of technology that made the lesson more interesting and relatable, rather than solving problems on a piece of paper. Students were exposed to different approaches of teaching and learning, so that if they did not understand it one way, they could try it another way. Students were able to make connections and in the end all should have understood how to multiply polynomials, which was the objective of the lesson.

Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqNRFBNdTiUGdGVIWmpEdXZJSEZ4b2Qyc3A2WjJaeWc

Effect of Technology on Education

I strongly believe that technology can make a big difference in a classroom. Students are exposed to all different kinds of technology in their everyday lives, whether it is their cell phones, computers or television, so bringing that into the classroom can make the material they are learning more relatable. With the variety of technology available today, any lesson can go from boring to something memorable and exciting. Let's face it, if students do not find the lesson interesting, after a while they will simply zone out.

Recently, I came upon an article, "Technology can change education," that confirmed my belief. The article begins with the sad truth that many companies can not find qualified workers here in America and therefore they need to go overseas to find trained workers. This is new to me, because I thought the companies have moved overseas because labor is cheaper, which still holds true, but we simply do not meet the expectations of those companies. The quality of education is slowly declining, and we must find a way to help our future generations succeed. Incorporating technology into the lessons, might be the way to go, after all, we want to prepare our students for the 21st century jobs.

The author of the article, Robert Bennett, describes a program he saw at Malcom X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ, that he believes is the way out of this crisis. The classroom contained no textbooks or blackboards but a smart-board, students sat in round tables and talked a lot. This was a physics class, and the teacher put up the problem on the smart-board, went over it and explained what they needed to know in order to find the solution, and gave them four minutes to work on it. As the students worked on the problem in groups, the teacher walked around and helped them with the steps to solve the problem. Once time was up, each student entered his or her answer into a key pad. As the teacher touched the smart-board, a pie chart came up, showing what percentage of students chose which answer. The teacher was able to see the names of the students and their answers, so she called on some of them to go up and show how they arrived with that answer. The rest of the students were able to comment and give feedback to the student. When all students agreed on an answer, the teacher gave them another problem to work on and this time when she checked the pie chart, everyone got the correct answer!

The school was suppose to close down three years ago, but instead it was transformed, and in my opinion successfully. Students now consider school to be fun, and they spend their days doing puzzles together. They are out performing students in suburban schools and are headed for college, which is not seen often in inner city schools.

This is just one example of many, that shows how technology can affect education. In today's society, and with the demand in the job market, it is essential to integrate technology into everyday classrooms. It can truly make a difference, and help students succeed, and be better prepared for the future.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765570717/Technology-can-change-education.html?pg=1

Importance of Technology

I found this video to be very interesting, and really raise awareness of how important technology is in schools. It is sad to see that we only have a 70% graduation rate because students feel that they are not getting anything from school or because the information is too hard. Today, 2 out of 3 jobs require education beyond high school. So what happens to all the students who drop out? Students need to be prepared for the 21st century jobs, and the only way to do that is by incorporating technology in the classrooms.

Research is showing that relevant technology will inspire students to learn and engage in the lessons. Most students already engage in some kind of personal electronic communication, whether it is texting or social networking. Why not use that knowledge to good use? In schools, with 1:1 laptop programs, not only has achievement improved, but also engagement, participation and motivation.

Technology can really enhance lessons to make them more interesting and relatable to the students. I know that I would rather do some hands on activities, that I am interested in, rather than listen to the teacher talk for forty five minutes. Students can listen for only about 20 minutes until they begin to zone out, therefore the lessons must vary to keep their interest and keep them involved.

Interactivity #5

I interviewed a middle school math teacher, in the Montclair School District, about the impact of national technology standards in the school. She has seen the standards before, and was familiar with both, The National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) and The National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). The school, as well as the whole district have begun to implement the NET-S for students. The standards at the school, are used "mostly in technology classes (required each semester for each student), but also used in all subject area classes as appropriate." 

The teacher aligns many of her lessons according to the standards. Recently, she gave the students a scavenger hunt for the TI-89 calculator, so that they would explore all the features the calculator has to offer. Also, the school just got brand new Macbooks for them to use, which she uses in her lessons for applications such as the Geometer’s Sketchpad. She went on to tell me, that the students really engage and participate more, whenever technology is used.

The district has a technology mission plan which states, “If we are successful integrating technology, all students will use technology to gather information, solve problems, share their expertise, and develop the life skills needed to function in the 21st  century.” They have planned out  3 year goals, which show great motivation and they are as follows: (MONTCLAIR PUBLIC SCHOOLS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR TECHNOLOGY 2010-2013)

 Goal 1

Students and staff will have seamless access to information technology in their schools.

 Goal 2

Students will develop the technology and information literacy life skills needed to succeed in the growing technological world.

 Goal 3

Staff will utilize technology to enhance the educational goals of the district.

 Goal 4

Parents and community members will understand the effectiveness of technology in education.

The school website has a section set aside for technology as well. The importance of this technology infusion is clearly stated, and how students will benefit from it. The school understands that technology is the way of life, and is doing everything to prepare their students for the future.

I was not surprised at the teacher’s familiarity with the standards, because I have seen the way she incorporates technology into her lessons.  The teacher sees the importance of technology in education and tries to infuse it in her lessons as much as possible to make them more interesting. 

As a future educator, I see the importance of NET-S and NET-T. If the district I work in, is not implementing the standards, I would try to voice my opinion on the advantages of using technology in the classroom. Not only does it make lessons fun and interesting, but also enriches every lesson and gives students a deeper understanding. 

Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqNRFBNdTiUGdFpRLUMwbUNxUVhYTUdVbWF3U3R6aWc

Montclair Public Schools

District Technology Plan :

http://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/WebPageFiles/24/techplan10-13.pdf

SchoolTube

SchoolTube is a media sharing website for students and educators. It is free, safe and endorsed by premier education associations. Teachers and students can upload videos and share them with the rest of the world. Any student videos must be first approved by a registered teacher. These videos can showcase academics, sports or any club events. Teachers can share media right from their classroom and learn from other teachers how to integrate technology into the lessons. Parents can keep up with their child's school and also show off their child's talents and accomplishments.

Mathematics is often one of the subjects that students do not find very interesting. Therefore, teachers must try their best to engage their students. I came across a lot of fun and interesting videos done by teachers on SchoolTube. One that especially stood out to me was a rap song done by a teacher called, "Super Base", which teaches students about exponents and bases. It was a remake of Nicki Minaj's song "Super Bass" and the teacher got all her students involved in the video. It is very fun and would definitely catch any student's interest.

Link to SchoolTube video:
http://bit.ly/se1kWl

Math Anxiety + Technology = Success

Math often causes anxiety in students. They fear the subject and become frustrated or lack confidence. This has become such a big issue that researchers have created an anxiety scale for math. Students may feel nervous, helpless, hopeless or panic.  This fear usually comes from unpleasant experiences with mathematics.  Poor teaching causes limited learning, which results in math anxiety.

The anxiety can be overcome with a positive attitude, asking questions and practicing regularly. Though a more effective way could be incorporating technology into the math classrooms. When students are able to relate to what they are learning it becomes easier to understand. In addition, technology is  great for visualization and hands on activities because it will help the students grasp the concept better. 

In the article Math Class Takes a Surprisingly Fun Twist, we can see the perfect example of how technology can lessen anxiety and actually make math fun. The classroom is described as: "The walls have magnetic paint and are coated with a material that effectively turns most of the entire room into a giant whiteboard. The tables, too, are whiteboards, and there's an iPad for every table. Two giant TV screens also grace the walls, among other features" (tech times). The students are encouraged to write on the walls, walk around, work in groups and be creative. The goal of this environment is to help students feel comfortable and not fear math. 

The teachers in that classroom work with a technical instructor, who steps in whenever students say they do not see how math is relevant to their lives. The technical instructor shows them exactly how it is, using a fun technical approach. The teachers have seen great improvement in their students and the change of attitude toward math. Some students even go as far as saying math is now their favorite subject. 

Everyone is exposed to technology in today’s society, therefore using it in the classroom is the perfect solution to reducing math anxiety. The anxiety may be compared to stage fright since they both are a disabling condition, causing humiliation, resentment, and even panic. But when technology is incorporated into the lessons, young children see math as fun, they will enjoy it, and, the joy of mathematics could remain with them throughout the rest of their lives.




http://www.tstctechtimes.com/math-class-takes-a-surprisingly-fun-twist-1.2786566#.T3YRcRyLXXE

An iPad for Every Student

In the ideal classroom, all students would be provided with the best technology possible. But, often that is not the case. Therefore, when we hear about schools, who are lucky enough to have those resources, we want to know if it in fact brings success. In September, in Zeeland, Michigan, every high schooler in the district received an apple iPad. It is used for classwork, testing and communication. After just two weeks into the program, administrators called the iPad program a game changer.

The use of technology has made education a part of the students' world, rather than being separate. In literature class, students follow a narrator who reads, The Scarlet Ibis. They are able to highlight in the ebook and students participate more directly. When studying for quizzes they use a flash card app, and students can coach each other. Since everything is now on the iPad, students can not use the excuse anymore that they have lost their paper.

When students or teachers are absent, instructional time does not need to be lost, because teachers can upload their video lessons for all students to view. They can then download assignments over wi-fi. The only downside is, that without an actual keyboard, it is hard for students to type long essays. Also, printing is limited.

The district set aside $1.3 million for the program, which comes from the $20 million bond issue voters approved last year for school improvements. In the winter, middle schoolers were supposed to receive iPads and next fall grades 3-5 will. Kindergartners through second graders will be able to use a cart of the iPads, also next fall.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2011-09-20/schools-education-ipad-students/50480836/1

Interactivity #4: The Pedagogical Uses of Technology

The lesson I chose was on classifying triangles, according to their sides and angles. When I saw this lesson, I knew using an online activity sheet was not doing it justice. Right away, I got the idea to use Geometer's Sketchpad, which would benefit the students’ learning greatly. They would be able to create different triangles, measure their sides and angles, and then describe them according to the properties.

The goals of the lesson aligned with the strategies, and technology, but the lesson needed more excitement. The students simply worked on a worksheet and then discussed their foundings, after which the teacher demonstrated the different triangles in the online activity sheet. The students do not gain anything from a lesson like that. They would walk away, not knowing why or what they have just learned. Incorporating the Geometer’s Sketchpad, gives the students a more hands on activity, where they will learn by discovering on their own. 

I believe this particular technology is very beneficial to the students. They will learn how to construct certain triangles by using circles. For example, a circle holds the key to building a triangle that stays isosceles no matter how you drag it. Constructing an equilateral triangle is similar to constructing an isosceles triangle, but two circles are used instead of one. In addition, they can draw any triangle by simply connecting three segments and adjusting the measures. Students are also able to change the color and appearance of the objects that make up the triangles such as, points, segments, and polygon, and label them.

Spreadsheet

Fun Websites To Use In The Classroom

Recently, I came across a website that I felt was worth sharing. It contains hundreds of cool websites, that teachers can use in the classroom to make the lessons more interesting and that support the 21st century teaching strategies. These websites will get students to think, write and publish. They range from building a website for your classroom, creating comic strips, using pinterest to organize and share things they like, and there's even a website called fakebook, where students and teachers can create imaginary facebook pages to stay connected.

Mathway is one of the webpages provided. It allows the user to solve equations step by step, with explanations. This is a great website for students to learn exactly what they have to do to solve the problem, especially those who are struggling can benefit greatly from this tool.

Class Dojo is a cool new way to improve behavior and engagement in the classroom. The teacher can give instant feedback to students using his or her iphone. An avatar is created for each child, and the teacher can record and take away points throughout the day. It provides instant visual notifications to the students such as, "Well done Josh! +1 for homework!" Class Dojo also provides behavior tracking analytics for parents and administrators.


Blabberize is another cool website that is a flash based tool to make pictures talk. Sometimes students simply get tired of listening to the teacher. So this is a great way to differentiate the lesson. You can pick a funny picture and a funny voice, type in what you want it to stay and just watch as students pay attention. They will enjoy the lesson and learn. 


These are just some of the fun websites that teachers can use. With the availability of tools now, teachers can make all their lessons fun and engaging. 


http://www.21stcenturyschoolteacher.com/cool-websites.html

Connecting Tradition and Technology

 
"Connecting Tradition and Technology"

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw4IqNG844Gvc1hq5eu_0NonI5-QFYc6Ddm74N5oYTcG9l-O5ULd6QkJMCgJimR8t0dk9otEb-xfwOoDCUnzmhsTFd_NKrSciy4dYjLIc1CEJpZW-fH4S_9eTJzJOEpSzXX8eiWXe2f9E/s750/bloom+pyramid.jpg

Interactivity #3- Generating a State of the Art Inventory

I was nervous about working on a group project for an online class, but in the end it turned out to be a great and successful experience. One of my group members, Justyna, took initiative and created the spreadsheet early on, so that we could all input our technologies by Monday night. This way, we had enough time to look over them and write our blog. We also decided to color code the different categories so the spreadsheet is nicely organized. We communicated through email, which worked out fine for us. When inputting our technologies, we had to look over the ones that other members put in so we would not repeat them. 

This interactivity has made me aware of how many technologies there are to use in a math class. Of course there are the obvious ones like calculators and computers, but we found some great ones that I never heard of before. For example, dream box learning, is a fun easy way to learn math through animations and examples. SchoolTube and TeacherTube are also great websites where students and teachers can share educational videos. Even a digital camera can be used in math as as a visual representation for finding the measures of shapes, their sides, angles, etc.

The spreadsheet can be a great reference tool for me, to use for my classes now and later in my teaching career. Since there are so many technologies, I do not always have to depend on one. Often student may get bored, but by trying different technologies, I can make each lesson unique and by using some of the websites I can give them additional resources to use at home. 

Mathalicious

Mathalicious is an awesome website that helps teachers teach standard base math through real world applications. The site provides lessons for teachers, as well as student handouts and multimedia presentations. According to the website, "61% of middle school students say they'd rather take out the garbage than do their math homework." They just don't understand it or do not know why they need it. With the lessons mathalicious offers, students learn to use math to explore the world around us. The lessons engage the students and help them understand how the world works.

These are some of the questions the students explore:

1. How long would you have to run to burn off a McDonald’s Extra Value Meal? (Equations and Expressions)
2. Do people with small feet overpay for shoes & should Nike charge by weight? (Unit Rates)
3. In the Olympics, do taller sprinters have an unfair advantage? (Ratios and Proportions)
4. Does “bankrupt” come up more often than it should & is the show rigged? (Percents and Probabilities)


These lessons help teachers promote problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students answer open ended questions that they are actually interested in and want to think about. And because they are standard based lessons, they will still be prepared for the standarized tests ate the end of the year. I know that I would rather do any one of these lessons than listen to a teacher talk for 45 minutes about unit rates. 

Push For Digital Transition

President Obama has set a goal for each child to have an e-textbook in hand by the year 2017. The government spends $7 billion a year on text books and often they are out of date. Therefore they are pushing for tablet computers, which may cost more up front, but students will gain more for the money. They want to push publishers, computer tablet makers and internet service providers to work together and lower costs, so that they can sell their products to the 50 million school kids.

The "web connected instructional materials help students learn more efficiently and give teachers real-time    information on how well kids understand material" (Toppo). It is essential to push for this transition, because the future industry depends on technology. Students would be able to research, check their work and receive instant feedback. Even outside of school students would be provided with an interactive and engaging environment.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/story/2012-01-31/schools-e-textbooks/52907492/1

Interactivity #2- The History of Technologies in Schools

                           Knowing is not a destination, but a process.

source:

http://problemsolvingk-12.wikispaces.com/

Ti website- great tool for educators

Teachers who truly care about their students, often go out of their way to help their students succeed, spending their own hard earned money. Therefore, when there are free programs available, teachers should take advantage of that. It is important to be aware of what is available and use it in the classroom. The ti website, is one great example.  It allows teachers to choose which Ti product they are using, and then use different math apps. Also, the website provides different activities, ranging from algebra to statistics with notes for the teacher and student activity sheets. It lays out exactly what should be done before the activity, during the activity, and after the activity.

The website also provides special offers for educators such as the use of the new Ti-Nspire technology for free. They can try it online, download the software and use it for 90 days, or borrow it for 30 days.

The Ti website is also great with providing funding, research and support opportunities. According to the website "Research is the foundation for making Ti solutions an essential component of student achievement. Ti provides educators, schools and districts with a wealth of research and funding resources." Educators can find many resources for funding and research such as, showing how Ti educational technology is an essential component of greater student achievement. There are also multiple support programs available to meet the demands of educational policy.


The Ti website is just one of the many great tools available to teachers for free. As long as they become aware of this, they can take full advantage of these tools and make their lessons more exciting and interesting. In addition, the research and funding opportunities are great if the teachers would like some new supplies for their classrooms. 


http://education.ti.com/calculators/products/US/home/

Interactivity #1: Technology as Autobiography

Technology has greatly impacted the way I learn. I can not even imagine doing a research paper or any kind of project without the internet. Going to the library and searching through books is too time consuming when I can simply search key words on google and find whatever I am looking for. Computers and laptops allow me to get my work done more efficiently than by hand and be more creative with my assignments. In addition, whenever I am stuck on a problem, I can always search for it online and usually find the solution. 

My phone is also essential to acquiring new information. I constantly get updates from facebook to keep up with my friends. My emails are sent straight to my phone so when a teacher sends me a message I can be notified right away. Furthermore, I have news and weather apps to know what is going on. The internet on my phone allows me to stay updated at all times and even work on my school assignments wherever I may be. The iphone is truly the most useful object I have ever purchased. 

The television is also a great resource of new information. For example, the discovery channel, food network, news channels, just to name a few, provide a great deal of information. Just by watching these channels I can learn how to cook or find out what is going on around me. If I would wait to read the newspaper, I feel like I would constantly be one step behind everybody else. 

In today’s society people depend on technology. Even though some may not own their own computer or smartphone, it does not mean they do not know how to use it. As we have seen in “Olivia’s Story,” she is very computer savvy even though she does not own one. She uses it in her building or at the apple store and can be very resourceful and creative with her myspace page. She even understands coding that is required to change layouts on her page or pictures. Therefore, a teacher can never assume a student does not know how to use a computer just because they do not own one. Olivia might be even better at working with computers than some of the other students in her class. It is important for the teacher to incorporate technology in the classroom because it is an important part of students’ everyday lives and can make the information more relatable.

In the second video, “Learning to Change, Changing to Learn,” the young people bring up some important points. For example, on the computer you can make anything ordinary become extraordinary and if you make a mistake you can always delete it and start over. The internet gives you access to everything, so then you can decide what to use or what not to use. Reading and writing has also taken over technology, especially with products such as kindle or the iPad. These young people can make websites, take pictures on their phones to use for projects, research on the internet, and be creative with their work.

As a teacher, I need to be aware of how technology is influencing my students and how I can use it in the classroom. The smartboard is a great tool for learning if I would be lucky to have one in my classroom. Especially in a math class, it can be much easier for students to visualize the concepts or play games that will enhance their knowledge. Calculators are also a necessity when dealing with problems that will take too much class time. Since many students now have phones with a camera, I could assign a project to go out and take pictures of math in the real world. Finally the computer is a great tool to enhance students’ knowledge with math websites or for projects. Not all may own a computer but most students have access to one and it is hard to find someone that is not computer literate in today’s schools.