My project was for everyone in my classroom to use some sort of technology to produce a product that showed their understanding of their knowledge of mathematical operations (+), (-), and (=) signs.
First, I did the pre-test. We have been learning for a while about “balanced” equations, meaning that both numbers on either side of the equal sign needs to be balanced or the same. I wanted to get an assessment to see what they knew so far and what I needed to cover in my lesson
I made up a rubric that was simple for my students to read. I used pictures of what I expected of them since all of my students are not reading.
The next thing I did was introduced all the ways how they could make a balanced equation. I showed them how to use paper and crayons, construction paper, iPads, and the Mimio board.
I introduced the lesson and showed them how to do a balanced equation on a piece of paper using a paper and crayons. Then, I showed them how to take a picture of it with their iPads. I also showed them how to record using the video camera.
I also showed them how to use some of the iPad apps.
I showed them how to use the rubric by using it to check my work that I did on the paper and on the iPad.
Then, it was their turn. The students had a great time using the technology. Many of them used Doodle Buddy. Only a few students used the ShowMe app to demonstrate. The ShowMe app was really fun, because I got to share it with the parents. I was able to email them a link to the video their child did. I got a lot of positive feedback from those parents on how their child was doing.
Reflection
I think the lesson went well. I did have to go slow. I did the lesson over a couple of days. Something I would change would be to get a quiet space for my students who are recording. In my presentation, you can hear a lot of background noise in my student’s video. I think I would set up a “studio” of some sort so that my students can have a quiet space to record their work. I really enjoyed this lesson with my students. I felt like I utilized the technology that I had and it was used appropriately. I enjoy using the iPads in projects and not just for “free time”.
The self-assessments were difficult for my students. It was hard for them to “check” their work. They would do their project and immediately bring it to me saying they were done. I also spent a lot of time collecting their work from their iPads. I had to go onto each one and email their photo to my email account. I would like to figure out a way to make that time shorter.
alaskanjam 