Sunday, May 12, 2013

Daily Presentations

As a teacher, I find myself presenting material multiple ways. In algebra, there are lots of different equations and although they use the same math properties, students need to many potential ways the property is used.

Well, this idea comes across in my teaching as well, I often find myself scaffolding and providing the same material multiple times throughout the year, sometimes I go over the material through notes, clickers, power point games, skits, songs, presentations. One great secret to share with you is that if you are in some sort of presenter (ex: power point), sometimes you have some distracting screens that require asking the students to look at you, not the screen, to easy solutions is to hit the B or W key.

By hitting the B, you will black out the screen.
By hitting W, you will white out the screen.

This would then force the students to not stare at the blank screen, but at you.


Stay Effective!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Tech Nite Part 2

Sorry for not posting in a couple of days. Things have been busy. Anyways last Wednesday I was nominated for an award in the Shenandoah Valley for innovation in K-12. The link to the founders as well as narratives of my nomination can be found: http://www.svtc-va.org/v.php?pg=3

I was selected as the winner in this category and it has been an exciting time since. My school district has won this category 3 times in 3 years, in which 1 teacher from each middle school has won.

Reflecting back on the event, the award was to recognize the hard work put into an app designed specifically for my students, but I also see it as a sign to continue to pursue my dreams in technology and education. I truly do feel that today's generation of students are so familiar with technology that as an educator, it is our job to teach to their medium. I intend to consistently update my app, WileD Math, as well as consider producing additional apps to be used in the school systems.

A special thanks to Verizon for being the sponsor of my award and a thanks to the technology council for their time and dedication to making this event.