Montlieu Project Reflection

At the start of our visits to Montlieu Elementary, I was a little nervous about how this experience would pan out. While I felt confident in my ability to use the iPad and the relevant apps, such as Comic Life and Keynote, I was unsure of how experienced my student would be with the technology. Fortunately, even though this was my student's first year attending Montlieu, she had become familiar with the iPad very quickly and rarely seemed uncomfortable with the technology. 

During the first few weeks at Montlieu, my student and I worked on several projects using both Comic Life and Keynote. Due to the fact that my student was a little shy, it was sometimes difficult for her to vocalize how much she knew about the applications or if she had had much practice with them. In order to get a better idea of my student's skills set, I asked her to show me what some of the different features of the apps were. For example, I would ask if could she show me how to add text or an image, or how to change the font style. After a couple of sessions, it was clear that my student had a very good handle on how to use the applications and needed only a little assistance with spelling words, constructing sentences and correcting grammar. 

Within the first few weeks of meeting with my student, I had gathered that my student's greatest weakness was the difficult she had coming up with creative ideas to focus our projects around. Since she had shown me that she could easily navigate both Comic Life and Keynote, I decided to introduce a project that would help get her creative juices flowing. We started by brainstorming a list of a few things she'd like to learn more about. I suggested topics such as a favorite animal or a place she'd like to visit. She decided that she wanted to learn more about hamsters because she was hoping to get one as a pet in the near future. We agreed that Keynote would be the best application for this project so we could organize and present different information on each slide. I left it up to my student to decide what the topic of each slide would be in order to put her in charge of the project. She was able to come up with some great ideas, such as what hamsters like to eat, what their cage should have in it, and if they make a good pet for children. We then worked together to gather some information and pictures from the internet and put together the layout of the slideshow. This project helped my student to come out of her shell a little bit and start talking about things she is interested in and wants to learn more about. 

All in all, I was very pleased with my experience at Montlieu and definitely feel that I learned a lot from this opportunity. For future classes, I think it would be helpful if we could know some background information about our student before meeting with them. For example, it would be helpful to know the gender, grade level and academic achievement of the student in order to get a better idea of what types of projects would be most relevant and beneficial. 

By knowing bit about the student before meeting with them, we could plan to focus our sessions on improving specific skills and making the most of the hour we have together.

References:
Keynote [Graphic]. (2012). Retrieved November 17, 2012, from:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keynote/id361285480?mt=8

iPads in a High School Math Class

In a perfect world, teachers could present a topic to their classroom of students, each with the same learning style and intellectual ability, without ever having to worry about keeping the students engaged or interested in the material. Unfortunately, such a classroom doesn't exist. 

Now more than ever, educators must work to capture the attention and appeal to the many varying learning styles of their students in order to facilitate all around success. It is essential as we move forward into the 21st century and are immersed in the age of technology, innovation, and instant gratification, that our teachers and the way in which we approach education does not get left behind. 

The upcoming age of students are the first generation of digital natives to pass through the doors of our schools, demanding an education that is fast-paced, interactive, and technologically driven. It is up to us as teachers to utilize the resources of our time, such as the iPad, to create a classroom atmosphere that is both stimulating and effective. 

The use of iPads in education can be especially helpful in igniting interest among students that would typically deem a class irrelevant to their lives, such as mathematics. It's no secret that not all students are inherently proficient in, or riveted by the subject of math. However, by introducing the iPad as a tool for learning and mastering material, students will have the opportunity to approach mathematics in a hands on and interactive way.

Having said that, it is imperative that when implementing the iPad in a math class educators pay special attention to whether the technology is being used effectively and efficiently. It is crucial that we, as educators, do not fall back on the use of technology in the classroom just for the sake of doing so. When planning objectives for the students and their iPads, always keep in mind our prominent goal of academic progress and forward motion; technology should never hinder or slow down a lesson plan or learning process in any way. 

Questions to Consider Before Carrying Out iPad-Based Instruction:

• Am I an expert in the applications/programs I will be using? 
• Have my students had adequate practice on the iPad in order to master the basics?
• Will the use of iPads enhance my lesson plan? (i.e. provide additional practice for students, add an interactive learning component)
• Am I prepared for any technological "hiccups" that may occur? (i.e. a student's iPad dies)

Reflecting on these questions before moving forward with using iPads in the classroom can help to ensure that lessons will reach their full potential in terms of effectiveness and  interactivity. Additionally, by choosing applications that are relevant to and appropriate for the content area can help to maximize success. 

For secondary mathematics, there are a few fundamental categories for useful applications.

GeoBoard

Applications for Calculation Purposes: 
The applications listed below would be great tools for students to use during class to assist in calculating. Such applications could be used as a replacement for the traditional calculator, such as the TI-83.

• Graphing Calculator HD
• This application has all the benefits of a scientific calculator, such as plotting functions and tracing equations. 
• Solve Pro
• A benefit of using this application is that it solves the equation as the student is typing and has memory features for saving previous answers.

Applications for Individualized Instruction:
The applications listed below are great tools for students who like to review the material they previously learned. These would be beneficial for review sessions before an exam so students can focus their attention on specific areas they have difficulty with.

• Algebra Touch
• This application provides overviews of topics in algebra such as simplification and factorization. Each lesson includes practice problems to ensure that students are understanding the concepts.
• Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant
• This application will guide students through coursework and give step-by-step instruction on how to solve problems, instead of simply supplying the final answer.

Applications for Student Practice:
The applications listed below would be helpful for students during independent study time as they contain an extensive bank of practice problems that help students master the material. Teachers could use this application to assign sample questions for homework assignments or as review for an exam. 

• Math Ref
• While working through examples on this application, students can access features such as formula reference cards and definitions of relevant vocabulary. 
• GeoBoard
• This applications gives students the power to create their own polygons and determine measurements such as area and perimeter. This would be a useful tool for reviewing concepts of geometry.

Consider incorporating an application from each of these categories to varying lesson plans in order to provide additional resources that students can use to learn, practice and master the material. 

References:
GeoBoard [Screenshot]. (2012). Retrieved September 6, 2012, from:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geoboard-by-math-learning/id519896952?mt=8

Internet Safety

I can remember the exact moment that I first heard about Facebook. I was sitting at a table with a few friends during 5th period lunch in the 9th grade. My friend Kelsey had started talking about this new "social networking" website called Facebook and to be honest, I had no idea what she meant. At first the rumor was that the site was only for college students and no one under the age of 18 could even make an account. I didn't really understand what the point of having a  Facebook was; why would I want to write on someone's wall or be tagged in a photo? The whole concept of a social networking site was something completely new and at first, unappealing, but it didn't take long before it had spread like wildfire and was the topic of every lunchtime discussion.

Having been a part of the original Facebook generation, I've watched the topic of internet safety evolve from being a few parental control options to a national campaign to teach young people about the dangers of the web. Technology surrounds us. It plays a role in nearly all aspects of our everyday lives. Keeping in tune with current technological innovations is critical if our society is going to stay protected against the dangers of such advancements.

With society becoming increasingly dependent on technology, it's more important now than ever that the upcoming generation understands the risks involved with internet and social networking websites. As a future teacher, I understand that it's imperative to encourage safe behavior and educate my students on the precautions that need to be taken when surfing the web. Teachers can have a profound effect on their student's lives by taking a stand against unsafe internet use and providing the necessary resources to help the young adults in their classroom make educated decisions when it comes to social networking. 

To learn more about the importance of internet safety, check out these websites: 

eSchool News Article

NetSmartz Workshop

I wait all year long for Thanksgiving. Just the idea of the rich gravies, succulent veggies and of course, the sweet endings to the meal, makes me beg for that holiday season kick-off dinner. I can't think of a better way to bring together family, friends and neighbors in a more comfortable and cozy setting than around a dinner table full of casseroles and pies just waiting to be devoured. 

It was an ordinary day last October that I was sitting around my dorm room dreaming of the arrival of this heavenly feast. The changing of the leaves and the brisk, cool afternoon breeze assured me it was getting close, but nonetheless, I still had a few weeks until all bets were off and my indulgence began. Just then I had an idea, possibly one of my best in a while. Why not start the Thanksgiving season off early in one of my favorite ways? 

Baking cupcakes. 

From then on, my days were consumed with creating the most divine and mouthwatering holiday cupcake known to man (or at least my family of expert taste testers). I spent hours upon hours browsing food blogs and magazine websites (time that should have been spent with a pen in my hand and my head in a textbook) looking for any inspiration I could find. I had compiled an extensive list of all my favorite holiday flavor profiles; everything from a salty pecan to a sweet and sour cranberry. Once the ideas about recipes and possible flavor combinations started flowing, they just couldn't be stopped. 

I don't remember exactly when it hit me, but I know the moment involved an irrepressible craving for pumpkin pie. I had finally put into words the flavors I had been dreaming of; a pumpkin spice cupcake with a decadent cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Now all I needed was Fall Break and the baking could commence!

To mark this special occasion that I had been anticipating for weeks, I decided to invite my cousin Emma to join in on the baking of this dreamy cupcake. Needless to say, she was just as excited as I was to not only get a little messy in the kitchen but also to sink her teeth into (what we hoped would be) a moist and delicious sneak peak of the not-too-far-away Thanksgiving dream. And with that, the flour went flying and we got to work. 

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Yield: About 24

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tbsp. honey
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
4 large eggs

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: About 3 cups

8 oz. cream cheese
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract 
2-3 tsp. cinnamon (or to taste)
2-3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Directions: 
To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350°F.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners.  In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt.  Set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  With the mixture on low speed, add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing just until incorporated.

Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full.  Bake until the cupcakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes.  Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then remove the cupcakes from the pans and let cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Beat on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.  Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.  Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until totally incorporated, increase the speed and then beat until smooth.  Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.

voilà!

I used a basic star tip for piping the frosting and decorated with some Halloween candies and sprinkles; the cupcakes were a hit!

This is my personal spin on a recipe originally found on Annie's Eats.
For more of my favorites, visit Gimme Some Oven and Sweetcakes Bakeshop.