After reviewing and thinking about my goals, I feel that I now want to focus more on using technology in the classroom more fully. I also want to help other teachers be able to deliver math content more effectively.
As this year has progressed, I have seen how I can use technology more effectively to accomplish a deeper learning experience. At first, I was using Google Classroom as a way to try to document the learning process of the students. But, as I kept trying to tweak and modify the assignments and content, I realized that the students weren’t learning more, it was just a substitute for journaling and reflection, and it was taking extra time that could be spent on something more fruitful. So, I have stopped using Classroom for that purpose, which I believe qualifies me as someone who is willing to abandon the past, albeit a very recent past. I saw how coding can be both engaging and a learning tool that enhances instruction. I want to continue to explore that concept.
Just recently, my newest unit has students using spreadsheets. In years past, I wouldn’t have students work with real spreadsheets. They would just work on some problems in the Math Journal and I would move on. With 1-to-1 Chromebooks and my focus this year on using technology more wisely, I decided to have the students create the spreadsheets on Google sheets. I am just scratching the surface on how powerful that tool is. It forces students to really think about how to do something in a new context. For instance, 95% of my students can find the perimeter of a square if given a problem. In one lesson, they were asked to complete a table that had the side lengths, perimeter, and area of squares. It was amazing how many students really struggled with getting the formulas written in the spreadsheet. I have been really excited about how I can continue to explore this technology in the future.
My diversity measure is probably not as diverse as it could or should be. I need to start trying to find ways to be open to visiting other teachers’ classrooms and talking with other leaders from other schools about how they implement their curriculum.
In terms of anticipating the next change, I really feel like we, as teachers, are so accustomed to the “next thing” that we are extremely cautious when thinking about the next thing. I feel that more and more education is going to heading towards the use of videos. My concern with this is the mistaken impression it gives to parents and policymakers that a video can replace a teacher. The more we flip our classroom, I fear the more we will be creating our own demise. Don’t get me wrong, I feel that flipping the classroom can be beneficial in many circumstances, but it must be done well.
As this year has progressed, I have seen how I can use technology more effectively to accomplish a deeper learning experience. At first, I was using Google Classroom as a way to try to document the learning process of the students. But, as I kept trying to tweak and modify the assignments and content, I realized that the students weren’t learning more, it was just a substitute for journaling and reflection, and it was taking extra time that could be spent on something more fruitful. So, I have stopped using Classroom for that purpose, which I believe qualifies me as someone who is willing to abandon the past, albeit a very recent past. I saw how coding can be both engaging and a learning tool that enhances instruction. I want to continue to explore that concept.
Just recently, my newest unit has students using spreadsheets. In years past, I wouldn’t have students work with real spreadsheets. They would just work on some problems in the Math Journal and I would move on. With 1-to-1 Chromebooks and my focus this year on using technology more wisely, I decided to have the students create the spreadsheets on Google sheets. I am just scratching the surface on how powerful that tool is. It forces students to really think about how to do something in a new context. For instance, 95% of my students can find the perimeter of a square if given a problem. In one lesson, they were asked to complete a table that had the side lengths, perimeter, and area of squares. It was amazing how many students really struggled with getting the formulas written in the spreadsheet. I have been really excited about how I can continue to explore this technology in the future.
My diversity measure is probably not as diverse as it could or should be. I need to start trying to find ways to be open to visiting other teachers’ classrooms and talking with other leaders from other schools about how they implement their curriculum.
In terms of anticipating the next change, I really feel like we, as teachers, are so accustomed to the “next thing” that we are extremely cautious when thinking about the next thing. I feel that more and more education is going to heading towards the use of videos. My concern with this is the mistaken impression it gives to parents and policymakers that a video can replace a teacher. The more we flip our classroom, I fear the more we will be creating our own demise. Don’t get me wrong, I feel that flipping the classroom can be beneficial in many circumstances, but it must be done well.