Spreadsheets

Students in Mr. Oliver's class were trying to find out if a large pumpkin had any correlation to a large number of seeds. The students first predicted the weight each pumpkin. Then, they took the pumpkin to weigh it. They wrote the weight of the pumpkin on the front. They then took the seeds out of the pumpkin and counting them. They recorded their answers on a spreadsheet.

I would like to teach first or second grade, so I don't think I would modify this too much. I really like the idea. It would be very cute for Halloween. It also helps teach the important concept of estimation. In my math class we were discussing how many students don't have the background of estimation before being taught how to measure. The had a couple case studies that said it was easier for students to figure out all types of measurements if they had some estimation skills. This allows to students to have a partial understanding of what they're working with. I also like that the project lets students interact with the work. They can get their hands dirty and still learn at the same time. This kind of activity could also be used for liquid measurements, or also things like feet and inches.

Netiquette Quest

Netiquette Rules for Elementary Students

·         Add a subject to your email. This way the teacher knows what it’s about. Teachers get a lot of emails, so it helps to know who is sending the email, and for what purpose. 

·         Make the message brief and to the point. Most ideas can be summarized. You don’t need to write a long paragraph. Try to explain your purpose or questions in as few sentences as possible. This makes it quick and easy to respond to. 

·         Don’t use emoticons. This alright to do with your family and friends, but it is inappropriate with teachers. 

·         Don’t use abbreviations or “texting language” when sending emails. Abbreviations like 2, substituted of the word to, or ttyl for talk to you later. Some people don’t know what they mean, and they are inappropriate for a formal email. 

·         Try not to type words with all capital letters. IT MAKES IT SEEM LIKE YOU’RE SHOUTING. 

·         Also try not to use exclamation points. Emails are usually for questions or descriptions. 

·         Don’t attach files that are too big. Files like this can make it hard for the receiver to open them. They often take a long time to download. 

·         Always make sure that you keep your personal information private. 

·         Be respectful of the person you are sending the email to. Always be kind and courteous.

Blow Up The Gradebook Quest

The video was very interesting. It was very similar to the presentation we say on the first day of class. It blows my mind how much technology has changed education. Technology has changed so much from when I was younger. We now have data for mobile devices, and so much more. We're changing the way we communicate. All of this technology is being integrated into the classroom.

I personally don't like the grading system. However, I don't understand how you could use a different system to measure student progress. 3D game lab works for this class because it's all about technology, but I don't know how you could work this into a general classroom. I think you could definitely incorporate these ideas into the classroom every once in awhile, but I don't think it would work to make the whole class structured off of this system.

I also don't like the idea of homework. I understand the reasoning behind it. It's supposed to provide extra practice to reinforce the concepts we already learned. However, no one wants to do homework. We all don't like to take time out of our day to do schoolwork. As much as we don't like it, I think it's necessary every once in awhile. I don't think it should overwhelm students though. I personally learn better when I don't have to do as much homework. I like when we do most of our learning in the classroom.

Due dates are along the same lines as homework. They are needed for structure, but they are kind of useless. Students just wait until the last second anyway. When we can do things on our own time, it makes it easier when we don't have a lot of time at a certain point.

I think it's important to give students choices. I have had teachers who would give us projects to do, but we would have a choice as to which one we complete. I felt like I learned more for the simple reason that I enjoyed the method I was using. I think the students get more out of it.

The ideas about changing the classroom are great. Technology will be a major part of the classroom when we're teaching. It's a new way of communicating and learning that can be tailored to each individual student.