activity 7 cloud computing

alg pretest

Pretests are a good way to determine where kid are at.  I would like to use these in a form that captures student's results and we can go over in class.  Google docs are pretty universally accessible and I would use this pretest for kids during the first week of school.  We also plan to have videos for kids to watch on the cloud.
The only real drawback to using the cloud is the misuse by students when they are online.  We have problems with kids taking photos and sending texts on the iPads.

Because essentially all of my teaching materials are electronic, they take up a lot of space and access can be a hassle.  I like using a cloud (if i actually know what it is) so i can access materials at home rather than sending emails with huge attachments

activity 6 study tools

quizlet notecards

studyblue notecards

I am not sure if this is properly set up, so I am keeping it simple.

I think kids work well with notecards since they can be used in any class for necessary vocabulary.  I emphasize understanding words as well as working problems, so this could be useful.  Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of work to only get vocabulary when math is learned while doing the work.  Not sure how useful this will be.

activity 5 youtube

factoring video

This video has a worksheet that is available through a link on my webpage.
My comments on the this activity are similar to the one on screencasting.
I would add that it is good to have a lesson on line so other teachers can look at it and give feedback (and I can see others) as well.
This video goes with a test we call a benchmark, which requires a minimum score of 80% in order to pass.  Students retake this test until they pass, so having a lesson they can navigate to get to specific areas of concern is convenient for everyone with internet.  I also have iPads, so they can use them after school also.

activity 4 screencasting

here is an intro i need to modify that introduced my flipped class.
i like the video recorder provided by SMART.  We use the videos for material that is fundamental and can be used for review.  Flipped classes require a real change in mentality for kids.
One of the key benefits for me is that I am more conscious of my lesson knowing that it is available on line.  Looking at this lesson is embarrassing and will be improved for the coming year.

activity 1 blogbling

reflection:
i let the summer get away on me and now need to get back into designing my blog.
blogs will be useful in reflecting how things are going with students.  i am a bit concerned that students may become too familiar with using it and may mis-use the medium (like texting).  i think multiple blogs, maybe by chapter, will help keep them relevant and useful.
using blogger will simplify the explanation of how to use my blog.  i don't want to become an expert in platforms and google products generally serve me well.