Check this out!

Maria Andersen has put together this fantastic resource for starting/continuing the journey of using technology within your math class. It's called "Using the internet to spice up your math class". I found it very helpful.

http://www.mindomo.com/view?m=38cc4f6a467acbfde4be796e68399450

top down designing

I have been reading "Understanding by Design" by Wiggins and McTighe(1998). They speak of using "essential" questions to plan your unit. These are 2-5 questions set up ahead of time that students should be able to reflect on daily and build a response to throughout the unit. They suggest posting the overarching questions around the room so that it reminds students of the "big ideas" for the unit/course/discipline. They also suggest building assessment beforehand that address the exploration of these questions. Again, I am reminded of the importance of the design down approach to unit planning. Hello! Of course! So why does it not happen more often? A mathematical example they give in the text is "Why is it true a triangle always has 180 degrees? How can we say that for sure?"

It's Day1

Hi! Today is my first day as a blogger even though I hadn't intended it to be. It is also the first day of spring and what a better day to start off with something new and fresh. I reflect on all the memorable "firsts" I've had with technology growing up:
a) being asked to try the first computer to come to my elementary school...totally impressed
b) being encouraged to communicate with my prof via email in MATH1000 with the chief... didn't think I would really have to go down this road.
c) instant messaging...just cool
d) being a math e-learning teacher...exciting but I worry about effectiveness. Not about "its" effectiveness, about "my" effectiveness

I am not too sure what I want this blog to be about yet. I am going to start with the goal that it will be a place for me to organize a collection of things that inspire me and that challenge me. Maybe every blogger could say the same thing??? I am interested in using a blog in my classroom and in my professional life. I feel as though I need to explore and play before I get all serious though. I'll keep adding to my list : )

Every time I need a push, I am helped with the video Shift Happens.