Week 7: Top 10 Tech Tools I Can’t Live Without.

I have learned so many new tools but here are my top 10!

1. PREZI
2. GLOGSTER
3. WIKI
4. Microsoft Office: Outdated but yes!
5. IPADs
6. Smartboards
7. Animoto
8. Delicious
9. Geometer's Sketchpad
10. bubble.us

Week 6: Mobile Apps

Week 6—What mobile apps are available for your subject area? List and describe at least 4 apps that could be used on a smartphone, iPod, or iPad in the classroom. 


Middle School Mathematics Apps in the Classroom:

1. Cure for the Common Core: Cure for the Common Core is a collection of blog posts from the last two years of preparing for and implementing the Common Core Standards. This app offers insights and actionable strategies for teachers aligning their curriculum to the new standards.
2. Motion Math: Motion Math follows a star that has fallen from space, and must bound back up, up, up to its home in the stars. This game involves moving fractions to their correct place on the number line to return home. Using this app allows learners to improve their ability to perceive and estimate fractions in multiple forms.
3. Alge-Bingo: This app allows students to develop your algebraic equation solving skills through playing a Bingo game. This game will take you step by step through the process of learning how to solve the most basic equation up through multiple-step equations by way of 13 different levels and it will allow you to choose from a variety of Bingo games from straight-line Bingo through multiple patterns of Bingo all the way up to Black-out Bingo if you choose.
4. Math Quizzer: This app is an interactive and fun way to, not only learn, but also to boost skills in; Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. It offers an easy to understand chalkboard visual, which keeps track of your "score" as you progress. 

Week 5: Digital Citizen

Week 5--Why is it important to be a good digital citizen? What value does a good digital reputation have?


Why is it important to be a good digital citizen?
A good digital citizen is considerate and respectful of the internet and others using it. It is important to be a good digital citizen to show respect and be courteous to others. A good digital citizen does not condone or participate in cyberbullying, cyberstalking, or other inappropriate behavior on the internet. 

What value does a good digital reputation have?
Just like in the real world, your reputation online follows you everywhere. Anything you say, do, or post on the internet will always be linked back to you no matter how anonymous it may seem. Schools and Future employers constantly monitor social media and other internet communication. A good digital reputation is imperative to acquiring future jobs, and maintaining those jobs.  

Week 4: Material Generators

These are three of the material generators that I have put to use in my classroom.

1. Test and Rubric Generator: Exam View Learning Series
• I used this generator purely for its convenience. It allows a teacher to quickly build tests, shuffle around questions, and create different forms of the same test. It was especially useful when it was time for semester exams. I could create a practice test and then very quickly create the actual test using similar questions. I liked the ease of use, but wished the test bank had more critical thinking problems and essay questions.
2. Worksheet and Puzzle Generators: Crossword Puzzle Maker (Glencoe)
• In math, students see vocabulary as not being important. It can sometimes take a back seat to problem-solving. With puzzles, such as crosswords and word searches, students learn to enjoy lessons that are heavy in vocabulary. I used these puzzles to break out of the monotony that is sometimes seen in math classrooms.
3. Whiteboard Activity Software: Notebook (with SmartBoard)
• I use this software on a daily basis during instruction. The majority of its use comes when I need number lines or graphs quickly drawn onto the board. It also has many geometry and algebra functions as well. I find the pens, highlighters, and lines functions to be especially helpful. Students enjoy working with the software as well. They don't mind working problems on the board if they are getting to work on a smart board.

Week 3: Instructional Software

According to the text, instructional software is a general term for computer programs designed specifically to deliver instruction or assist with the delivery of instruction on a topic. The five Instructional Software Functions are listed in detail below:

1. Drill and Practice: Software that allows students to work on problems from specific topics they have already been instructed in; gives feedback on the correctness of those problems.
• Quarter Mile Math Software: http://www.rmlearning.com/QuarterMileMath.htm
2. Tutorial Software: Software that tutors students by providing all the information as well as instructional activities a learner needs to master the topic being studied.
• Math Tutor Educational Software: http://www.mathtutor.com/
3. Simulation: Software that models real or imaginary systems to demonstrate underlying concepts.
• Educational Simulations Software: http://www.educationalsimulations.com/
4. Instructional Game: Software used to increase motivation by adding game rules to drills or simulations.
• Math Missions: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002J6HWE/edutainingkid-20
5. Problem-Solving: Software that teaches directly the steps involved in solving problems; helps learners acquire problem-solving skills by giving them opportunities to solve problems.
• Universal Math Solver: http://www.umsolver.com/

Web 2.0 Resources

Concept Map:

Glogster: Internet Glog

Animoto Video: Integers


Big Huge Labs:

My opinions on the Web 2.0 Resources:

1. Concept Map (bubble.us): I found this to be an easy tool to use for organizing information and brainstorm units before having to teach it. It would be extremely useful in planning lessons.
2. Glogster: I felt that this was a neat way to present information in a way that teenagers and children would find interesting and appealing. At first, it was difficult to learn to use but I became accustomed to it quickly. It is a valuable tool. I feel that I could easily put it to use in my classroom.
3. Animoto: I thought this was a quick and easy way to present information in a professional format. It did not take much time to organize the photos and add captions.
4. Big Huge Labs: This is a quick easy way to get students attention and create funny, interesting ways to get students engaged.

Week 2: Real Life > Virtual Life

As a math person, the title of this blog just seemed appropriate. In a technological age, we have seen the positive effects of technology and social networking. I can connect with anyone around the world through Facebook, twitter, and other social websites. The possibilities are endless and this no doubt helps professionals in the education field. We can connect with students from anywhere. Virtual field trips and connecting with experts are amazing educational tools.

So when does technology become a bad thing? As a technology person, it pains me to make this next statement but I feel that it is necessary. I worry that too much technology allows students and adults alike to disconnect from reality. Many people live in virtual worlds every day and fail to see the real world. Some begin to believe that they are actually their fake persona.  What are your thoughts? How do we strike a balance between virtual and real life?

Week 1: Personal Introduction

Hi my name is Courtney. I am 24 years old and in my 3rd year of teaching. I am originally from Paxton, Florida, a small town in the panhandle. I attended Troy University from 2006-2010 where I received a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. I currently teach middle school mathematics at a small K-12 school in south Alabama. Besides teaching math, I am also the Head Girls' Basketball Coach for the middle and high school teams as well as the assistant softball coach. In what little free time I have, I enjoy being outdoors and exploring nature. I have an adventurous heart and love the thrill of being alive. I absolutely adore my job and my students and I look forward to many more years in the education field.