For my final presentation I used Glogster. Please Check out the following link and let me know what you think!!
http://aqavzik.edu.glogster.com/graphing-with-colors
Technology in Mathematics and Education
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Assignment 3
Final project reflection
Graphing with Colors
For
my final project of the semester my group and I decided to choose standards in
the area of Mathematics. Although
I do teach 3rd grade, I also decided to incorporate 2nd
grade standards (as well as 3rd) into my lesson. Since my class is at a lower level in
mathematics, I believed that these goals would better meet the goals of my
class as a whole. For this lesson
students focused on gathering data and representing it in a tally chart, as
well as a bar and pictograph. Once
students were finished with these products, they were asked a series of
questions based on their information.
Overall
I believe this project went well.
I chose to follow the Explicit Instruction model. While following this model, I first
game a teacher demonstration (I do), then guided practice (We do) and finally
Independent practice (You do).
Before I presented this lesson to my students, I felt it was important
and necessary to first gage where they were at in terms of understanding
graphs. To help with this, I had
them complete a Pre Test. The
results of the pretests indicated that students had a much easier time
identifying pictographs and tally charts.
The result also showed that near half of the class had a harder time identifying
a bar graph, X&Y axis’ as well as answering word problems pertaining to a
graph. With this data I was able
to better direct my Teacher Model to help teach and solidify missing gaps of
knowledge.
During
my Teacher Model I involved students in my data collection. The topic for my model was ‘favorite
Yupik food’. With this I had students vote on their favorite food (out of a
total of 5 different foods). I chose
to have students vote with their eyes closed, as I assumed I would get a better
accurate measurement. I did this,
since I know and have experienced in the past that if students see other
students voting a certain way, they end up voting the same. This worked out perfectly as we had at
least 1 person vote for each category.
Once I created the tally chart on the board I modeled how to create a
bar graph as well as a pictograph.
This went flawlessly.
In
my Guided Practice portion of the lesson I placed students in groups of 3. I did this in order to make it easier
to work in groups for this next section.
Before student entered the room I scattered colored tiles around the
room. Once they were in the
classroom I gave them 30 seconds to gather as many tiles as possible. Once 30 seconds were up-they were to go
to their groups. This part of the
lesson was both fun and engaging and I would definitely consider using this
activity again. Once students were
in groups they were instructed to create a tally chart combining all tiles from
all members of the group. Combing
and creating was the easy part. I
however came across the problem of groups being done way quicker than other
groups. I’m not sure how to
prevent this. I did not want them
to move on, since we were doing the project all together on the board. Once groups gathered their data, we
combined them on the board. After
which we create a bar graph and pictograph.
After
the Guided Practice portion of this lesson-it was time for the Independent
practice. I gave students the
option to work in a partner group or to work alone. For the lower students I gave them a partially filled out
Tally chart, bar graph and pictograph.
For the medium leveled students I gave them charts and graphs that were
less filled out and required them to come up with their own scaling system and
category names. For the
higher-level students I gave them blank charts and graph papers for them to
gather their own information on. By giving students the option to work in
partner pairs I believe I helped adhere to their comfort level, and it was
really great seeing how well they worked with each other. Each person in the partner pair had
their own Jellybeans; therefore they had their own set of numbers for their
charts and graphs. The benefit to
having them work in a partner pair was that they could bounce ideas off one
another. Once they were finished they had the option to present their data
using a program called ‘Photobooth’ or Prezi. The medium level students worked
independently on their slightly filled out charts and graphs and continue to
use the jellybeans as their source of data. A few high students completed their jellybean charts
quickly, and moved onto their own data collection of a topic they had chosen.
Overall
I think this project was completed very smoothly. It was amazing how the
student who finished early were so eager to create their own tally charts and
graphs. They enjoyed collecting
data on the class, whether it was people’s favorite colors, favorite animal or
favorite basketball team. The
partner pairs worked out great and everyone was able to finish their product in
a timely manner. At the conclusion
of this project students were given a post test-it was amazing see their mannerisms
change so much this time around (the first time the complained about not know the
material being asked). Overall students did much better on all aspects of the
test. The post test did however
still show me a portion of the standard in which I could focus a little more
detail on next time (or in further lessons). The question in which still ¼ of the students missed was the
one regarding X and Y-axis’. Knowing this provides insight and information on
what I could improve when presenting this lesson next time, and I look forward
to even better results!
2 of my students completed their presentations on a program called Prezi. A link to both presentations are below.
High student:
http://prezi.com/jukl-szwni5w/nikolais-graphs/?kw=view-jukl-szwni5w&rc=ref-38243443
Medium student:
http://prezi.com/qoeo0sjxg1tp/chases-jelly-bean-project/?kw=view-qoeo0sjxg1tp&rc=ref-38243443
Students were given an option to present their data on either a program called Prezi, or by recording themselves on photobook. One of my lower level students chose to present their data on photobooth, here is the recording. As you can see the charts are much more filled out than those of the previous examples.
Lower level student:
Here is the data collected from the pre and post tests:
These tests were given to 17 students, below represents the number of students who missed the question in each area. First in the Pretest, followed by the results of the Post Test
Pretest
Identifying bar graphs: 5
Identifying pictographs: 3
Identifying X & Y-axis: 10
Word problem: 7
Identifying Tally chart: 2
Post Test
Identifying bar graphs:0
Identifying pictographs:1
Identifying X & Y-axis: 5
Word problem:1
Identifying Tally chart:1
**The lesson plan in which i followed for this lesson is included in the Blog 12 post
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Blog 12: How I will demonstrate impact on Student learning as a result of my lesson
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Essential Question: How will I demonstrate impact on student
learning as a result of my differentiated lesson?
There are several ways in which I will demonstrate impact on
student learning as a result of my differentiated lesson. One of these ways includes the use of a
KWL chart. As a class we will
create a chart on things we already know and want to know about graphing
data. At the conclusion of the
lesson we again visit the chart and fill in what we’ve learned as a result of
the lesson.
Another
way in which I will demonstrate an impact on student learning is by
administering a pre and post assessment.
For these assessments I chose to use a traditional paper pencil
format. These assessments were
designed to help define where each student is at in terms of the particular
standards being tested.
In
addition to the KWL chart and the pre and post assessments, I will also be
keeping anecdotal data. The
document being used is labeled ‘Checklist for Progress’. Within this checklist are key questions
to help identify where student may be struggling during each part of the
lessons. Some example questions
include: Can the student identify a bar graph? Does the student know how to
properly set up and record data on a tally chart?...etc.
Once
students have completed their required charts they will go through a process of
presenting their information.
Students can choose form 1 of two options. They may choose to use a program called Prezi, or use Photobooth. Students will be required to create a
presentation explaining the steps they took in creating their end pieces.
Unfortunately this week I have not communicated with my PLN
as much as I had hoped. In fact,
it was probably the least I’ve participated since the beginning of the
semester. Although I did
communicate on email with the people who are doing a similar project as I, it
was not nearly as much as I should have.
In an effort to catch up however I have been dedicating the past few
nights to reading other peoples blogs and taking a deeper look at what their
upcoming project will be. I look
forward to seeing the finish products soon, and hearing how well everyone’s
project worked out within the classroom.
Below I have included my lesson plan, pre and post
assessment and checklist. I plan on teaching this lesson on
either Thursday or Friday of this week.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Blog 11: Technology and Classrom Management
Essential Question: What technology will I use to allow
students to demonstrate they have met the standards targeted by my rubric? What
are the classroom management considerations that I must address?
Technology
Using the rubric that was created last week our group
investigated several technology programs that could be used to demonstrate
proficiency in each standard. As a result, we determined that the best way to
differentiate student’s end product would be to provide several technology
options to present knowledge gained. Each of my group members and I chose to
investigate different technology options based on our own students needs and
learning styles. We chose our
programs based on the how we can help accommodate for each students learning
style, as well as allowing for creativity.
At
the moment I am in the mists of investigating a few programs. Although the base program is not
entirely decided, I do know that I want to incorporate the use of cameras into
the project. Students will be
required to document their progress with photos and upload them onto a
computer. With these photos
students will have the option to either create a slide show, an movie (either
using photobooth or imovie), a computer application such as animoto or prezi
(I’m still in the mists of deciding which program might be more appropriate and
‘easily’ taught).
Classroom Management:
In
terms of management while using certain forms of technology there are several
things that should be considered.
When incorporating technology in a student based project the classroom
will be a little crazy and louder than usual. Student will also not be doing the same thing at the same
time either. As a result, I must
assure that a few things are in place before hand.
One
of the first things that will need to be addressed is the process in which
student need to know in order to develop their product. They must also know what is expected of
them and what they should do if they need help or finish early. Before
expecting students to use a technology project it’s important to actually teach
how to use the program before hand.
To do this it may be wise to actually do the activity using the
different program options as a whole group before releasing them to choose
their own program and pathway to completion.
A
great management tool that could be key to a successful technology integration
classroom is to encourage other students to be technology mentor for other
students (hence the reason why group discussions could play an important role).
For
this project I will most likely assign particular students as ‘helper’
students. I will also have set rules for computers posted on a wall that can be
easily seen and pointed out to those students who may be off track (some rules
can include items such as; respecting other peoples privacy, leaving the
settings on the computer the way they are, treat the computer with respect, no
drinks or food near the computers, move carefully when around computers. Also
displayed will be ‘cheat’ tips for each program option available. This may include items such as; how to
save your work and where to store your project.
Aside
for the above mentioned management strategies; I will conduct my classroom
using the procedures that are already established within my classroom.
PLN Communication:
I’ve
communicated rather frequently with my PLN this week. Aside from the email and Skype
conversations with my group members, I’ve also spent time speaking with a more
seasoned teacher about the expectations of using computers. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have
a few teachers suggest presentation programs that they have used in the
classroom with their students. I
look forward to investigating the programs more in depth as the week progresses
and am excited to get this project off the ground!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Blog 10
Hallie, Courtney I
all collaborated for week 10.
Courtney and I teach 3rd
grade and Hallie works with special needs students. We are all in the same
district and have been through many trainings together. We are very familiar
with each other’s students as well as the environment that we teach in.
We stared this assignment
focusing on writing. After running into several issues with student
expectations we decided to look at our math goals. That is where we found our
starting point. The goal we started with is as follows;
Represent and interpret data.
2.MD.9. Collect, record,
interpret, represent,
and describe data in a table,
graph or line plot.
2.MD.10. Draw a picture graph
and a bar
graph (with single-unit scale)
to represent a
data set with up to four
categories. Solve
simple put-together,
take-apart and compare
problems using information
presented in a bar graph
We looked at this and
compared it to the third grade standard to try and teach students to the level
they are at, as well as where they are suppose to be. That brought us to this
standard for third grade:
3.MD.4. Draw a scaled picture
graph and a
scaled bar graph to represent
a data set with
several categories. Solve one-
and two-step
“how many more” and “how many
less”
problems using information
presented in
scaled bar graphs. For
example, draw a bar
graph in which each square in
the bar graph might represent 5 pets.
For our project, we plan
to have students collect data on a given topic. They will record the data they
collected on a table. They will then analyze the data and create a graph (line,
bar, picture, etc.) to display the data. After the students complete their
graphs, they will answer “how many more” or “how many less” questions to
compare their data. They will then work in groups to discuss the data, graphs,
and questions they answered.
Below is the rubric we created:
Level | Collecting Data | Graphs | Word Problems | Communication |
Outstanding | Student collected individual data on a topic of interest in order to create a graph. | Student was able to correctly create a graph (i.e. bar, line or picture) using individual data collected on a topic of their choice, with all the necessary requirements including (correct scaling, title, labeled axis, etc. | Student was able to create and solve simple put-together, take-apart or compare word problems using information from a graph. | Student displayed maximum participation in small group and/or whole class discussions (i.e discussed the data and graph, answered questions, shared opinions, asked questions, helped others clarify confusion, instructed and helped other students on their assignments, etc.) |
Satisfactory | Student fully participated in the class data collecting process by participating in the class discussion and by creating a table with tallies to present data. | Student was able to correctly create graphs (i.e. bar, line or picture) using the data collected as a class with all necessary requirements including (correct scaling, title, labeled axis, etc.) | Student was able to correctly answer simple put-together, take-apart or compare word problems that were associated with the completed graph. | Student displayed good participation in small group and/or whole class discussions (i.e discussed the data and graph, answered questions, shared opinions, etc.) |
Needs Improvement | Student had limited participation in the data collecting process. | Student was able to correctly create a graph or graphs (i.e. bar, line or picture) using the data collected as a class, however some requirements were missing. | Student struggled to correctly answer simple put-together, take-apart or compare word problems using information from the completed graph. | Student displayed minimal participation in small group and/or whole class discussions |
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Blog 9: How can I use Pearltrees to differentiate content in the classroom?
How
can I use Pearltrees to differentiate content in the classroom?
This week we were given the opportunity to learn a new program called 'Pearltrees'.
Although apprehensive when I first logged in, the worry dissipated as I began
navigating around. This program is simple and intuitive.
In my opinion the Pearltrees is a type of advanced bookmarking
program that allows its users to save URLs, pictures and notes. Instead
of the traditional bookmarking system that uses folders or 'tags', this program
chose a more appealing look. A single Pearltrees is created around 1 main
topic. When websites, photos, and notes are gathered about that topic,
pearls are added on (creating something similar to a branch). The great
thing about this program however, is that others can join in and
contribute. As a result of its physical appearance, simple navigation,
and its ability to have users connect upon similar interests, Pearltrees can
possibly a great tool to use within a classroom.
I believe using Pearltrees within the classroom has a possibility of being very
beneficial in terms of differentiating. I see this program as having
multiple uses. One of these uses is directed more towards the
organization of information used within the classroom. This program can allow
for teachers to organize all their online supplemental resources for given
subjects in topics. Let's say for instance, the topic and subject
happened to be the States of Matter (Science). A teacher could use
this program as a means to organize additional videos, games, reading, photos
and notes. Students who may be struggling in the concept, as well as those students
who need enrichment, could use this site as a means to explore the topic
deeper. This program also has the capacity help teachers help students to
reach all students on their intelligence level needs, from providing
interactive games, music, videos, articles and photos. Pearltrees could
be an excellent program for a teacher to use within the classroom to help
differentiate instruction.
Another use in which Pearltrees could be use to help differentiate content in
the classroom would be to have students be involved with the program
directly. Although I do see this happening more in the older grades, it
could also serve as a useful tool to use in a group setting in the younger grades.
If a student is involved with the creation of their own Pearltree, it helps
lend itself for a stronger connection with ones own learning. A teacher
could have students use this program as a means for organizing information on a
specific topic, sharing it with individuals and digging deeper on given topics.
I definitely see myself using this program in the future, especially in terms
of organizing supplemental resources on specific topics (especially
science!). I believe that this could really help aid in my quest to
becoming a truly differentiated classroom.
Communication:
This week has been an extremely productive week in terms of communicating with my PLN. My partner and I have been in constant communication for the last week about Project 2 and we are now at the finishing touches (yay!). I've also had the opportunity to share what I’ve learned about a program called a Glogster (noted in my last blog) with other staff members within my school. Although I did not actively communicate with Twitter (I did attend Thursday, but did not contribute much that conversation in particular), I did feel that it helped me better understand this week’s assignment. I also spend some time this past week checking out other people’s blogs. As a result I discovered some very interesting and useful games I might be able to use within my classroom. I look forward to seeing what next week has to offer.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Blog 8: How might video games enhance my students' learning?
How
might video games enhance my students' learning?
A few months ago I noticed that often times on topics
that were completely new to my students our lessons would take nearly an hour
longer that was scheduled (often times I had to cut out science/social studies
to accommodate for it). It
appeared that if my students were struggling with a new concept they often
‘checked out’ on me during explanations and examples. As a result I began asking other teachers what they do in
order to help keep students on task and engaged in the lesson. After several conversations I learned
that a lot of teachers offered rewards to the class if everyone finished during
our class period (it’s an hour and 40 minutes). Such rewards often included free time in the classroom or on
the computer. Well, although I do
like to give free time once in a while, I felt that there had to be a way to
incorporate some type of reward that not only served as a ‘change of pace’
activity, but one that would be fun yet still focused on the skill necessary
for students to understand the concept being taught.
Although I did consider having students do math games
(such as file folder games and the sort), I noticed that most of my students
were more motivated by the idea of playing with a computer. Plus, who has the
time to create whole games and gather its materials for every topic? I certainly don’t. As a result I began
my hunt for Internet programs/games that I could use within my classroom. A few
programs in which I used within my classroom already this year for Mathematics
in particular include: IXL Math, Sumdog and Timez Attack. I used IXL for a while, but noticed
that students got bored with it quickly; therefore I talked to another teacher
who suggested Sumdog. That too is
really great website, but unfortunately it requires A LOT of bandwidth that my
school does not seem to have (at least for 15 students to be on at one time),
therefore I had to put that program on the side table. The last one that I mentioned is one
that I still use within the classroom.
I will investigate it further in the latter portion of my blog.
The task this week turned out to be exactly what I
needed. With my current students I
noticed early that they really loved computer video games (who doesn’t?). I knew that although I did use a
program called Timez Attack, it only focuses on just a few of the many
standards that students need to master, therefore it became a necessity for me
to find another video game type of program (or two) that was fun to do, but provided
additional practice in the current skills being taught. This assignment came just in time too,
as I recently decided to stop using IXL Math as much and needed a new rewards
program/educational game to incorporate into the later half of math. Before I
talk about the two new programs that I just introduced to my 3rd
graders, let me tell you first about a program called Timez Attack. In order to respond to the questions
associated with this task I decided to observe the reactions/engagement of my
students while playing this game.
Program: Timez Attack
Website: http://www.bigbrainz.com/
Standards:
3.OA.4. Determine the unknown whole
number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers.
3.OA.7. Fluently multiply and divide
numbers up to 100, using strategies such as the relationship between
multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 ×5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 =
8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all
products of two one-digit numbers.
1. Was the child engaged?
Students were
very engaged. In fact, students
actually ask to play Timez Attack when they finish other work early. They love it!
2. Did the child learn the
skills that were targeted?
They are in the process of it yes. I can see improvement
in multiplication and division fluency.
3. Can the child demonstrate
that these skills were mastered?
Students can
demonstrate that theses skills are mastered. Currently I administer AIMS Web Probes biweekly to students
and can visually see the improvement.
4. Who in your PLN did you
consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
I consulted with my coworkers about these games. I learned that the current 5th
grade teacher was the one that uploaded the game on about half of our school
laptops. He is the one that
introduced it to me after I asked about what math programs I could use.
Website: Games on
3rd grade level: http://www.funbrain.com/FBSearch.php?Grade=3
Website home page: http://www.funbrain.com/
Standards:
3.MD.1.
Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in
minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time
intervals in minutes or hours (e.g., by representing the problem on a number
line diagram or clock).
3.OA.4.
Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation
relating three whole numbers. For
example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of
the equations 8 x ? = 48, 5 = ?÷ 3, 6 x 6 = ?
3.OA.7.
Fluently multiply and divide numbers up to 100, using strategies such as the
relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 ×5 = 40,
one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know
from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.
3.NBT.1.
Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
3.NBT.3.
Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 (e.g., 9
x 80, 10 x 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of
operations.
3.MD.1.
Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in
minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time
intervals in minutes or hours (e.g., by representing the problem on a number
line diagram or clock).
1. Was the child engaged?
Students really
loved this website actually. One
of my students were actually the one that introduced me to this program (I
figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask students what websites they like to go to for
Math, and this was one of them).
2. Did the child learn the
skills that were targeted?
Students did learn the skills that were
targeted.
3. Can the child demonstrate
that these skills were mastered?
Students are
able to demonstrate that the skills learned were mastered by providing a short
quiz afterwards. By having
students practice the skills in a game like matter they didn’t feel like they were
‘learning’ but rather just having fun!
4. Who in your PLN did you
consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
Amazingly enough no other
teachers knew about this program.
After a student told me, however I let several other teachers no about
it. I plan on introducing it to
the rest of the staff next Monday during our Staff Meeting.
Website: A few games particular
to 3rd Grade: http://mrnussbaum.com/grade-3/
Main
Website homepage: http://mrnussbaum.com/
Standards:
3.OA.3 Use multiplication and division within
100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and
measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for
the unknown number to represent the problem.
3.OA.7 Fluently multiply and divide within 100,
using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division
(e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of
operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two
one-digit numbers.
3.OA.8 Solve two-step word problems using the
four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter
standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using
mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
3.NBT.1 Use place value
understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
3.NBT.2 Fluently add and subtract within 1000
using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations,
and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.
3.NF.3.b Recognize and generate simple
equivalent fractions, (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3). Explain why the fractions
are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
3.MD.2 Measure and estimate liquid volumes and
masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters
(l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems
involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using
drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.
1. Was the child engaged?
This was
another successful website that I introduced to my students. They enjoyed the games on it, and it
had several games that were applicable to Alaska State Standards.
2. Did the child learn the
skills that were targeted?
They did, I discovered the success after give a short
quiz afterwards.
3. Can the child demonstrate
that these skills were mastered?
Students are
able to demonstrate that these skills were mastered as they progressed through
the game successfully, most showed mastery on the quiz following the use of the
program.
4. Who in your PLN did you
consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
This was
another website that the 5th grade teacher introduced to me. I spoke with him about my desire to
find a program more engaging that IXL,
yet still provided additional help in topics across the board.
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