Poll Everywhere Breakthrough!

I figured it out!!!!! Now all I need is to get the classroom set of IPOD touches to implement this awesome software! I. am. excited.

Testing Using Technology

Today was a day that was dedicated to our online testing obligation known as Acuity. I really have no idea what to think about this. The program was created by the same company that makes the CSAP, however, I see no relationship between the questions that are asked and the questions that are on the CSAP. This goes for both the released items as well as the items I see when I am walking around the room monitoring the CSAP testing. I am an honest teacher and do not incorporate the unreleased items into my class, however, I would think that this company would try to be a little more accurate with its testing questions so my kids will be a tad more prepared.

I also am somewhat disheartened by the fact that I give up over a week of instruction time over the course of the year (before CSAP) giving these tests. And then I have no idea what they are getting out of this. All I am seeing is that, according to the test, only about 1/3 of the kids will be proficient. That is the same case with the Benchmark testing last year. Frustrating to say the least.

Technology at Basketball Practice

You know, they just about have an app for everything. EVERYTHING!!!!! So, one of the parents of the kids on the team brings out his Iphone, and sure enough he has an app that helps put technology into basketball. It is an app that is an interactive white board. You place the defensive x's and offensive o's anywhere you want on the basketball court and then move them around by using your finger. It works great when you are sitting in the stands and you want to show someone what just happened on the court. I am going to go home and download this thing instantly. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?

Some Isometric Drawing Fun

The other day, my pre-algebra class had an excellent learning objective that helped them learn the concepts of surface area and volume. These are two extremely difficult concepts to "get" because you have to picture square units as well as cubic units when speaking of surface area and volume, respectively. In order to fully understand these huge topics, my students looked at isometric drawings and built them using Cuisaniare (sp?) blocks. Using these, the students could visualize the squares on the surface as well as the cubes that make up the volume. I believe it was 100% successful.

Ipad....What is the point?

I am a proud owner of an Ipad....however it is only through the mutual ownership rights gained through marriage. My wife is fortunate to work for a great company that actually rewards their workers for hard work (unlike our good ole ECSD who just puts up a front and shafts everyone possible). Due to her hard work they presented her with a brand spanking new Ipad. Now after playing around with it for weeks, and downloading as many apps as I financially could, I have come to realize there is just one burning question about this thing....What the heck is the point of it?

Poll Everywhere

Wow. This has to be the most confusing thing in the world. I just spent 2 hours trying to figure out how to send in messages without a cell phone. It says right on the website that you can do this with any device that is connected to the internet, but how? It is very frustrating because I am soon going to get some Ipod touches to use in my class and this would be an excellent website to incorporate...if I could just figure it out.

What makes it even worse is that I have had ideas stewing in my mind as soon as I heard about Poll Everywhere. Then I went to the website and got even more excited because of all the options that I could have....it just so happens that unless your students have a cellular device it is not easy to use at all. If anyone knows how to help me please do, because I really want to use this site in my class!