Google docs

So I just learned that I can save documents in MSWord and then upload them into google docs. Apparently, I've been bad about saving directly to my classroom drive and not my network, so I'll have to try it with a couple of items I've created lately.

On a different note, I'm working with Annette Garcia again this year. My focus will be how to use the SIOP lesson plan to convey all the information I need it to. For example sub plans. I used to use an agenda format in the plan book and it was great for me, but I need it to address the needs of an outsider - interpretation, understanding, standards, direction, order, etc. Hopefully it works out so I'm not spending hours doing it.

Clickers

yesterday I was excited because the kids wanted to know when the next time we'd use the clickers? This caught me by surprise, since the first day I gave it they became disinterested after the 15th question.

SIOP LESSON PLAN 1st days

Date: August 21 & 22

Grade/Class/Subject: Principals of Algebra, Algebra and Geometry

Unit/Theme: Introductory days activity

Standard: 1)Students develop number sense and use numbers and number relationships in problem-solving situations and communicate the reasoning used in solving these problems. 6)Students link concepts and procedures as they develop and use computational techniques, including estimation, mental arithmetic, paper-and-pencil, calculators, and computers, in problem-solving situations and communicate the reasoning used in solving these problems.

Content Objective (Colorado State Standards to be covered): 1.1Demonstrating meanings for real numbers, absolute value, and scientific notation using physical materials and technology in problem-solving situations.

Language Objective:

Student Outcomes (what should students know and be able to do?): Be able to explain why 25/5 is not 14 and what the people in the video did wrong. Conduct an experiment to test the validity of the statement that our intuition is wrong.

Key Vocabulary	Supplementary Materials
Probability, Divisor, Dividend, quotient	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF-yU7Rq2XQ Numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfq5kju627c 25/5=14 LCD projector, Speaker, Laptop

SIOP Features
Preparation _Adaptation of Content X_Links to Background _Links to Past Learning	Scaffolding X_Modeling X_Guided Practice X_Independent Practice _Comprehensible Input	Grouping Options _Whole Class _Small Groups X_Partners X_Independent
Integration of Process _Reading _Writing _Speaking _Listening	Application X_Hands-on _Meaningful _Linked to Objectives X_Promotes Engagement	Assessment _Individual _Group _Written _Oral

Lesson Sequence:	Introduce that mathematics is more about how you explain yourself than about having the correct response. First show the skit of Ma & Pa Kettle. Have the student Think Pair Share about what they saw, if they think it works - yes, come up with another example; no, come up with a counter example. Have them report back to the class what they discussed and their samples (example or counter example). Then have the class debate what Ma & Pa did that looks correct, have them discuss why it sounds right, and why it truly is wrong. Second, show the clip on numbers. Have them reproduce the experiment and answer questions about their results. Have them share with other class members their findings and discuss the possibility that changing your first choice would truly increase your chances of wining the car.
Technology Integration (equipment and strategies):	Integrate the use of laptop, LCD projector, Speakers and content on YOUTUBE.com to show students that math is about how you explain yourself.
21st Century Skills/NETS-S Standards:	II. Communication and Collaboration communicate information and ideas effectively using media IV. Critical Thinking identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation

What's going on

So there's been a lot going on this past week. I had a hectic time on Wednesday when two girls decided to have angry words. Luckily L.C. and T.F. are being civil and are sitting in opposite sides of the room. Wed, and Thursday I showed the you tube clips from my lesson plan, which I'll try to post here. It seems like there's a way to link Google docs straight to a blog. Hopefully it works. I've been busy trying to get everything ready for this next week, being a dad, working A LOT, trying to be a department chair. So Yeah, we'll see how it goes. I'm working with Annette Garcia again this year to help with my lesson planning and classroom management. It seems my 7 prior years really made me lackadaisical and according to my evaluation I don't adequately plan for "bell to bell" instruction. This year I've tried to divide our 66min blocks into 3min warm up, 1st 20min activity, 2nd 20min activity, 3rd 20min activity, and 3min closing activity. Wed, Thurs, and Fri proved that I can't always do this. Especially since I gave a clickers pretest on Friday and really lost the majority of the class' attention by question 30. So either I really plan to break up my instruction into small sections or I find a way to capture and focus their attention for a full block. We'll see how it goes.

So it's another day that has passed and I talked to Tonia Johnson about what she's doing with her technology. I'm really glad she is excited about this and has taken it on full swing. However, it makes me feel unprepared. Regina likes to pump me up by saying I've got the Master's degree in Educational Technology, but we never spent very much time in the areas we have lately in the Global Learners sessions. I knew how to use Dreamweaver, but we use Contribute. I got into Authorware, but we don't publish web applications or game simulations nor will our district shell out the huge funds for such a program. I got to use Maya the 3-d image software, but same as Authorware. I spent most of my Master's degree getting information on ADDIE which is a great tool but I'm having trouble applying it to my classroom. For those of you who are not familiar ADDIE is an acronym in the Instructional Design field for Auidence (analysis), Design, Development, Implement and Evaluation. Very similar to a lesson plan, but with ADDIE you always go back to the orginal content and revise, rarely as teachers do we get to go back and redo the lesson over and over again till it's perfect. We might get the chance to do minor tweaks before the next class, but nothing like the buisness world. Perhaps I should look into going to to a Technical or local college and see what they have to offer me. Don't get me wrong UNC was great and I loved it for both my undergrad and gradutate studies, it's just not helping me right at this juction point. Maybe I can take a point from Tonia's playbook and just get down to the nitty gritty, work and play with all that has been given to me which is a great opportunity.

Tough days

So the past couple of days have been tough. I nominated myself for the position of DC (I reclutantly accept). The duties of a DC are numerous and I feel unorganized and to help others....well, let's say I can do it; but I don't trust myself to stay on top of things.

I had no idea but it took all of the work time yesterday to put together the smartboard and the cart, now I gotta make sure it all works before my plan to use it next week for class. I find it difficult to make actual lesson plans, instead of an agenda. Hopefully as I use the SIOP google doc it will become easier.

So I just finished capturing and editing a how to video on embedding your google calendar into a contribute webpage, it was long and tedious. Jenn, Tonia, and Tom liked it so hopefully it works. I'm currently experiencing trouble uploading it to teachertube for an HTML code so I'll try others, but the link is http://acsd14technology.wikispaces.com/Google+calendar+embed

Aug 10th thoughts

The past two days we've had the pleasure of Darren Kuropatwa as our presentor to the Global learners. He talked about how he personally uses technology to help teach his classes, you can see his blog at adifference.blogspot.com. Our group has a blog at principianteglobal.blogspot.com. Darren presented a lot of information to our group - things like using flickr to have students see that trig is everywhere in their world, using and saving student presentations @ www.spresent.com. It's a little overwhelming all of the information that we have to process; however, Darren said that if you are doing all the work you're doing it wrong - make the students do it, make them the experts both on the content and the technology. The math department has a blog to help us discuss these topics it's achsmathtech.blogspot.com. I of course am trying to use this blog to organize my thoughts and feelings about what we're doing and hopefully get input from outside sources about similar ideas or help with my problems. I think that will be all for now.