Changing Math

[This is part of a series of posts I’m writing as I reflect on another online course I’m taking this summer, Stanford University’s EDUC115N How to Learn Math. Sure, I’m a Science teacher but I have taught Math so I’m familiar with Math instruction. Besides, we do use Math in Science so it’s not like …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/24/changing-math/

Math Stereotypes

[This is part of a series of posts I’m writing as I reflect on another online course I’m taking this summer, Stanford University’s EDUC115N How to Learn Math. Sure, I’m a Science teacher but I have taught Math so I’m familiar with Math instruction. Besides, we do use Math in Science so it’s not like …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/23/math-stereotypes/

Pendulum Swing or The Answer?

[This is part of a series of posts I’m writing as I reflect on another online course I’m taking this summer, Stanford University’s EDUC115N How to Learn Math. Sure, I’m a Science teacher but I have taught Math so I’m familiar with Math instruction. Besides, we do use Math in Science so it’s not like …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/22/pendulum-swing-or-the-answer/

1:1 iPad Program Proposal

Back in December when I heard there was interest in starting a 1:1 iPad program in my district I jumped on the idea. I got with the middle school teachers (all nine of us) and I asked if they wanted to pilot a 1:1 program in our school. Everyone was on board so I started drafting …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/18/11-ipad-program-proposal/

Math for All

Do you like math? If not, why not? Do you think that you are good at math? Can all kids learn math? Is what we’re doing in school math? If you’ve ever had these questions or know people who hate math or feel that they can’t do math then this Standford U free online course …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/16/math-for-all/

Almost Ready for Fall #3dgamelab

I’ve been obsessed with preparing a new method of gamifying my classes for the upcoming school year this Fall. I’ve written a bunch of posts sharing my journey to make a Results Only Learning Environment (ROLE) classroom that runs like a real life computer game using the 3D GameLab (3DGL) interface. I added more quests …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/14/almost-ready-for-fall/

8th Grade Year Plan

After planning possible 6th grade activities, I put them into the 3D GameLab (3DGL) interface ready for kids to Beta test in the fall. So far I have 73 quests in several different chains with room for some student choice. The benefit of having no grades is that kids can really pick and choose what …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/09/8th-grade-year-plan/

Machinima #3dgamelab

What is machinima? It’s defined as, “the use of real-time computer graphics engines to create a cinematic production. Most often, video games are used to generate the computer animation.” (Wikipedia) In other words you use some kind of screen capture to make a video of you playing a game. You use that video to share …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/08/machinima/

Game Addiction #3dgamelab

I have experienced video game addiction. When I first played World of Warcraft (WoW) I was addicted. I was addicted to leveling up and to gaining the next best skill, attribute or ability. With other games if there cheats I would use them. I had to level up, get to the top level and win. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/08/game-addiction/

Badges, Do We Need Them? #3dgamelab

Not sure, jury’s still out on that one for me. In my brief, 22 year career, I’ve tried incentives such as grades, stickers, beans in a jar, lotto tickets, class money, awards all the way to abolishing all of those, even the grades. The change to no rewards and punishments worked, but not as well …

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Permanent link to this article: https://educatoral.com/wordpress/2013/07/07/badges-do-we-need-them/

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