“Calculating” Change in Math

November 23, 2014July 15, 2015 / HSE_21

Once up calculators past on a time there was the abacus. Then the slide rule. By the time I entered high school, handy multi-function calculators were all the rage (pictured at left is a TI-30, circa 1976). Calculating machines, like other technological tools, have slowly become more sophisticated.

ti-nspire-cx-cas Slowly, that is, until the computer age took hold. Today’s calculators are no less than specialized mini-computers, designed to assist scientists–and students–in performing complex calculations and solving mathematical and scientific problems. What’s more, these calculating ‘systems’ can easily be networked, making the once silent, straight-rowed math class an interactive, responsive mathematics lab! Take a one-minute peek into Kathleen Robeson’s room at Fishers High School to see how TI-Nspire^TM calculators and the CX Navigator System^TMcombined with the leadership of an excellent teacher, have transformed instruction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9fvDE2lQBM

*Image sources: Wikimedia Commons

Taking One’s Teacher Home

November 19, 2014July 15, 2015 / HSE_21

The potential of digital connectivity and devices to broaden and deepen learning is nearly boundless, as HSE21 Shorts posts often affirm! In addition to student-driven inquiry and creations, teachers are harnessing technology to connect with students outside the classroom–posting lessons online, holding virtual office hours, and recording and posting presentations. Through Blackboard, our learning management system, Google Apps for Education, and many other digital tools for learning, students can revisit material that is not yet understood. They can receive quick, individualized feedback. Interspersed throughout the year, HSE21 Shorts will highlight some simple, yet powerful shifts in instruction made possible through digital connection and access.

Natalie Stoner, mathematics teacher at the Hamilton Southeastern Freshman Center, is a pro at demonstrating mathematical constructs to her students. But as students will attest, an algebra query can seem straightforward when the teacher is explaining the steps–tackling the homework problems, though, can be another story! Stoner wanted her students to be able to revisit her in-class presentations–to review, rewind, and hear key points again as needed. Enter an iPad, a tripod, and YouTube. Now Stoner uploads each day’s mini-lesson to YouTube and links the post in Blackboard. The freshmen have the means to hear the lesson again; students who are absent can see what they missed. A simple but powerful way to foster deeper understanding. That’s #ConnectedEducation.

Need an exponent review? Ms. Stoner can help! Just click the YouTube link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqSVLE8yTw8&feature=youtu.be

Day 31 – Behind Every Great 21st Century Teacher…

September 27, 2014 / HSE_21

…is a smart and responsive technology department!

Document storage and access, communication tools, calendars — these are integral to most everyone’s 21st century work life. For teachers, though, technology integration doesn’t stop with email. Teachers use multiple digital applications and tools in their classrooms every day–to share content, integrate multimedia components, assess student comprehension. and solicit student feedback. None of this would be possible without computer systems experts, IT specialists and a dedicated support staff in place.

HSE Technology Department employees work tirelessly and creatively behind-the-scenes on behalf of teachers. Their overall goal is to support the curriculum and to enable responsive teaching and learning in HSE classrooms. HSE Technology…a vital part of the Hamilton Southeastern learning community!

Day 30 – A Visit to the Empire State Building

September 24, 2014 / HSE_21 / 1 Comment

A few years ago, it would’ve been nearly impossible for students across the nation to hear their favorite author speak live–and yet, thanks to the the digital age, classes now interact with authors and field experts with ease. Yesterday, fifth graders at Fall Creek Intermediate School participated in a live webcast with Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson novels. The site for the webcast– the top of the Empire State Building!

Existing fans of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief sat in awe as Riordan led viewers around the Empire’s top landing (a key location for Percy Jackson!), answered Greek mythology questions, and read from his upcoming release. Following the webcast, some students expressed an interest in reading Riordan’s work for the first time.

By fostering interaction and conversation around texts, virtual author visits are one way in which 21st century technology tools can enhance good reading instruction and deepen comprehension.

-Susan Drumm, Instructional Technology Coach