Podcast Reflection #4: Learning in Hand, Classroom Do's and Don'ts

Learning in Hand

While listening to Mr. Vincent's podcast on iPods Dos and Don'ts I realized I would have not been very successful using iPods in my classroom. He had many helpful hints and explanations of procedures that I had never thought about. For example, syncing the iPods to one computer instead of multiple computers. It makes it easier to have the students' iPods sync to one computer with all of the up to date information instead of trying to put this information on 20 or more different computers. I also thought the idea of having color coded iPods was a fantastic idea. I would have numbered the devices and called it good, but having the color coding makes it easier for the students to find their individual iPod. The last idea that really struck me was having a contract for the iPods that clearly states the proper usage of the device and repercussions for misusing the device that both the student and parent must sign. The idea of having the parent sign it is wonderful because then they clearly know how the technology is being used in the classroom. I am very excited to see what technology I will be able to use in the classroom and will be using these helpful hints when I begin to teach.

Podcast Reflection #3: Tech Chick Tips- By the Numbers

Tech Chick Tips

This podcast was amazing. There were multiple different sites discussed that dealt with my two fields of math and chemistry. My favorite one was the NSF (National Science Foundation) Science of the Olympic Winter games link. It brought me several answers to the old question “How does this apply to the real world and why do I need to know it?” I can now tell my future students who are athletes or are pursuing an athletic profession that science, mainly physics, is the key concept behind many ice skating competitions. I could also tell them that geometry and angles are used for the angles of shots in hockey. I think this will be interesting and relate to them even if they are not interested in ice sports because other sports use the same concepts. Another groovy site mentioned was Wallwisher. I loved the ideas behind this shared post-it note system. I will definitely use this site to create an assignment where the students post some sort of math equation, geometrical shape, or real world examples of math being used. It will allow them to use the computer and branch off from the boring days of always doing math assignments on paper. Another project I was excited to do was to have students write what chemicals they can decrease usage of to help the environment. I believe seeing all the multiple different ideas their peers have can help them create their own idea and also, hopefully, my future students would decrease their use of other items that their peers posted.