I also joined Online Tools on Thinkfinity. I browsed through the discussions of the groups and many of them seemed to pick up where Learning Math left off. The discussions included tips and techniques for a multitude of online tools, some of which we will be using in this class. Other discussions focus on managing the technology or finding constructive ways to use technology. For example, one post explores the ways texting can be used in the classroom. To be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed by the work other teachers and districts are doing with technology. Though I teach in an upper-middle class district, it seems to be behind the curve with most of these tools and applications especially in exposing its teachers to the world beyond word processing and PowerPoint.
Finally, I joined Dr. Erica Bowling's group Using Multimedia for Communication and Education. I became a member of this group when I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop that Dr. Bowling hosted a couple of months ago on web design. This is where I became familiar with animoto and the possibilities of multimedia in the classroom beyond simple presentation software. What I love about this group is that it is almost designed as a course instructed by Dr. Bowling. Her discussions are clear and the resources are numerous and directly applicable to my needs as a teacher.
Jim, it sounds like you really dove into your topic as far as online communities go. P.S. Both my sister and my mom are middle school math teachers in Central Jersey and I don't know how you guys do it! Most kids really don't like math! Kudos to teachers who help kids understand its importance and functionality! I too joined Dr. Erica Bowling's group Using Multimedia for Communication and Education. I'm glad I found it! I can relate to you on feeling behind in that my work environment at Rutgers (even though its a top research institution) is very behind on integrating technology to use in our communication with students at Undergrad Admissions. I am one of the sole enforcers! Researching these news tools and finding ways it would be useful has been one of my biggest projects.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteI also added Learning Math and Online Tools on Thinkfinity. I saw how Learning Math has a gentleman from NCTM. I created a lesson from NCTM's magazine in November, so I'm really excited to read and participate about ways to incorporate math into the classroom. My district is adopting a new curriculum for next year. So far, there is speculation that there will not be textbooks, rather, students will go online and interact with the textbook there. I think that is one step towards exceptional advancement in technology. That is why I am extremely interested in analyzing how I can incorporate more technology into my math lessons. I think these groups will give us feedback on how our projects can improve in the classroom and how we can use other ideas to foster our own.
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that you've joined communities via Thinkfinity that will hopefully assist you with your MMP! Please do not feel limited to TF, though, because there is a chance that you'll find other online communities chock full of math teachers who are sharing their perspectives on multimedia in the mathematics classroom!
I'm glad to see that you're all picking up ideas from each others blog posts in terms of preparing for your MMPs!
Nice job, Jim!
Erica