Allendale Math 1:1 Teachers Share

Allendale 1:1 Math Teachers

What works and what doesn’t?

Challenges of students having laptops:

Reliability of wireless signals and monitoring student use.
When the student first received the laptops they where more a product for them to get in trouble. Now that the “flare” of having the computer is gone they are able to use the computer for learning.
Lack of Student Motivation. Many activities using the laptop computers require students to be self-motivated.
It would be nice to have the 6th graders start out keeping the computers at school. Once they have gotten use to middle school, changing classes and keeping organized than we can begin sending them home.
slow computers, lots of learning sites blocked
ability to limit what the students are accessing during a given class

Challenges of IWBs (at our school we use SmartBoards):

Challenges of clickers

I found ExamView to be more efficient and effective for analyzing student score data.

Challenges of using Moodle

What has helped you as a teacher?

Moodle, jing, screencast, etc. have helped the ability to post missed work, lectures, and other important information.
Online resources with links posted on Moodle - unfortunately many are from you tube so blocked until school ends
Geogebra wiki is great for visual learners!
Patrickjmt is wonderful for you tube explanations for students who miss class
Videos from Discovery Learning and Learnport, sometimes you tube - I just use 2-10 minute videos to introduce / reinforce concepts. I try to find goofy ones that kids will like. Songs are also good, I’ll hear them sing these funny little math songs going down the hall!

What has been effective for you?

Using the Examview program to facilitate testing.
Using Examview to facilitate quiz and test review as well as testing
Use of notebook and screen-capture to create assessments
Using ExamView to analyze students scores.
Having Moodle and online resources for students has forced them to become better problem solvers and more independent learners.

What would you recommend to other teachers in 1:1 schools?

Patience, patience, patience.
Try many things, use what works for you and your classroom.
Always have plan B for if / when technology fails
Don’t panic if some kids computers aren’t working, have a couple paper copies available or an alternate assignment for them from the book (amazing how they will figure out the technology if they still have to do work!)
When using Examview be aware that it may fail - I put up “privacy fences” with folders and have kids write their answers to their tests on paper in case the technology boots them (it doesn’t happen often but this way no big deal)
Remember that an online review does not help kids when they go home, examview can only be accessed on school website so give them a paper review to use at home. Online review is great if you can give time in class so they get that instant feedback.
If some kids can’t get onto an interactive website, have them work with someone else who can - remain calm about it and they will too.

Is there math specific stuff that has been worthwhile?

What would you still like to know more about?