This and that.

Over christmas, I plan to download that math app (Math chat) that allows students to collaborate on math problems and try it out with my husband.  Both he and I have an iPad and he knows math so we can have fun trying it out.  I also want to create quizzes in Practi from mathtoons.  I'll have my husband try them out.
I want to get some things set up in schoology and update worksheets so that students can write directly on them  and send it to me or put in a dropbox of some sort so they can turn it into me and neither one of us has a chance to really loose it or argue over it being turned in.  I hope to set up something that allows me to enter that I got the work and the score they got on it so they know immediately what is going on.
I have a couple ibooks I want to finish off over holidays and I am thinking of trying to do an interactive ibook for the alphabet with pictures and 3 dimensional objects to help students experience objects better.  A 2 dimensional picture is great but if it is 3d object, its better if they can see the 3 dimensions of the item.
I am not going to have much time off to totally relax buy I think I am going to have fun.  I have to start creating lessons for a presentation in February so I'll be doing that too.  I sometimes wish I had a smaller list.

Too many tools?

I sometimes wonder if I have too many apps and too many things I want to do with the iPad during any one period.  Today in one class period, we did our warm-up, standardized test questions, made a mind map using the iPad to organize angle and perpendicular bisectors, median and altitudes. I then gave the students and assignment with about 10 min left out of a 55 min period.  I saw several students using their mind-maps to help them answer the questions.  On the other hand, I would love to have given an exit ticket via the exit ticket app but ran out of time.  I need to create a quiz in ET or in Schoology so I can see where the students are but again I have a time issue.  I also have games to help them improve skills and learn more about certain topics.  I think I need to sit down over the summer and really examine what apps would work best with which unit and I need to have lesson plans that write them in with a purpose in mind.
I think several questions I should ask area as follows
1.  What is the purpose of using this app or piece of technology?
2. How will it further student knowledge?
3.  How can I use the results of the game to provide data for my instruction?
4.  Do I really want to go totally paperless or do I need to see some sort of actual work?
5.  Will this offer guided practice?

I don't look at any of those question right now and I really should.  Often, I throw in the iPad because it seems to be right at this moment.  I think most of us have too much to do and not enough time.

Etc, busy day.

First off, I had several of my students try a paid for app called Algebra Tutor. It has two levels for each topic, the novice and the master levels.  Most of my students started with the novice level for using signed numbers.  I put some on solving equations or combining like terms.  They use a swipes and gestures to manipulate the terms and learn more about how the processes work.  It does cost but it is an app that seems to give the students a real opportunity to learn the processes and they enjoy it. 
Second, I think I finally got the exit ticket set up so my students can take a quick quiz tomorrow at the end of the various classes.  I managed to get things set up but the tickets wouldn't show.  I found a toggle switch that said hidden and moved it to visible so we'll see if that works.  I also updated some things on Schoology and we'll see how they work.  I put in several assignments and one discussion questions so we'll see how that goes.  The last time I tried the app, it went well and the kids enjoyed it.  I actually had one class discuss a topic but I had it so they could read each other's entries before posting.  I changed things so that have to post before they can see other answers. 
Third, over the past two days, I've passed out a complex task involving chicken and dogs.  One of my students who would rather  not do a thing, actually spent the class period solving it instead of bothering other people and she got it correct.  The main requirement is that students show their work and then explain how they got the answer in writing.  She did a fantastic job. I think it might have something to do with her being extremely bright and this is the first time she's been challenged in quite a while.  I hope I keep peaking her interest for the rest of the year.

Technology PLC

Today we had our first meeting of the Technology Professional Learning Committee. We discussed where we want to head with the group.  After setting goals, we started looking at certain programs/apps that could be used either on the iPad or computers or preferably both.   We looked at Schoology as two of us are already using that, Edmodo which also offers a use with the subtext app and Exit ticket.  I downloaded a 4 week lesson plan so the group of us can learn to use the program and evaluate its use.  I showed the information to the head of the best practices group and the facilitator is rather interested in it.
The two who are currently using Schoology are quite happy with it but both are still learning to use it.  Each program is going to take a while to fully understand and figure out the best way to use so we are using best practices.  I think we are going to explore a new program each time we visit so we can evaluate its potential.  So far, it looks like these three are going to work well in my Math classroom.

I'm glad it was Friday.

I had my 6th period take the quiz in Schoology but it took almost 15 min to get them all on because they forgot their username, they forgot or changed the password and then the internet got persnickety.  A couple students started the quiz and quit so they could retake it and discovered about the third time they couldn't take it again.  So we are going to try again Monday.  I am going to try making quizzes in a couple of other classes.  It is all one step at a time.  Next step is to have them lean to use the calendar feature so I don't have them always asking "When is this due?"
One shift that is happening is my students are coming in to work on their big projects that are due in about two weeks. I also need to download an app that will let students solve systems of equations automatically so they can check their work.  If they know their answers are wrong, they will know it before they turn it in.

google and Schoology

Due to reasons beyond anyone's control, we cannot access any portion of google at work.  This is making it much harder because I can't access any google docs, the community, not even my blog.  So until they get that fixed, I have to wait till I get home.
Another teacher showed me something I didn't realize was in Schoology.  As I mentioned earlier, I am learning to use the app and getting my students used to checking it for assignments.  Today another teacher showed me that within the quiz/test option is a way of attaching common core standards. That is cool.  I also created my first quiz. Six questions were short answer and four were multiple choice. I want students to identify the slope and y-intercept in equations in the slope intercept form.  I choose the short answer questions although I now realize that I could have used the fill in the blank type questions.  I am going to keep that in mind. Little by little, I am learning to use the program and in the process I am working on getting students to check it for grades.

Nearpod and Schoology

I am working with the tech dept to give a training session on Nearpod this afternoon.  I have a presentation that shows some possibilities and then I'll help them set up an account and start their own presentation.
In a couple weeks, I'll help the tech dept give a presentation on Schoology and using it.  I even spoke to the person in charge of the after school program for college bound students and I am going to show her how it works and how it might serve her better.  I am having fun setting up all sorts of things on it and getting my students to use the discussion.  They love commenting on each other's comments. 
I had first period find two uses of linear equations and then had them post what they found to the discussion group.  It went quite well.
I had kids start using Book Creator and discovered the free version only allows you to create one book.  I don't remember reading anything about the free version only allowing for one book.  It just means I can only let one class use it and once we are done with the unit, I"ll have to delete the book or have the book sent to me to save for them.

Schoology

I am getting quite a few students signed into schoology. So far my seniors have reacted the most positively because the interface reminds them of facebook. One of them posted a comment before anyone else.  I had a hard time getting them to actually log off and start today's work.  The next step after I get everyone registered and on is to start sending information to them so they will get in the habit of checking for messages or posting messages.  This means I need to start a discussion so they can comment tomorrow.  I think the discussion will focus on the word problems they are working on.  Since I work with ELL students, I am trying to increase the opportunities they have to communicate both in written and oral formats. 
Early next week, I am going to have them use a google earth math lesson so they know more about using the program.  I know there is one on linear equations and I need to see if there are others they can use.  On Thursday afternoon, I get to help the tech dept run a training session on using Nearpod.  I am so excited about that.

Argggg and did it.

I will start with the did it.  I handed out the project requirements for each class.  I ended up using 4 apps on the iPad.  Book Creator, Google Earth, Garage Band and Showme.  The 5th one I stated they could use any app on the iPad to complete the assignment and they could use their own mobile devices to complete the assignment.  This is the first time I've used learning menus so we will see how it goes.  One choice is for them to create mathematical problems on the topic using Google earth.  I decided that I will have them complete a math problem or two using Google Earth so they know how it works.  I gave them a month to complete it so we will see. So far the only complaints I"ve gotten are with the students who have me for two periods.
As for the Arggggg, I am trying to set up schoology to use with my students.  I am trying to figure out how to get them in as members and I am having trouble finding the information so I am going to have to go to the 6th grade teacher who uses it.  She said there is a way to do this.  When I"ve tried to bring up the help answers, the web page won't come up so I need to try a different browser to see if that is the problem.  I want to get this going as soon as I can.
Yes I talk about what I am doing but it gives me a record of what I'm doing so I know what works and what does not for next year.

Update:  I found out how to get my kids onto schoology using only a username and no e-mail. This is awesome because it means that I don't have to mess with things.  I had them use a common password just to simplify things overall.  First step taken.

Finally!

I just got told that our school will be getting us updated so we will have access to google docs, google education, etc.  I am so looking forward to having those available.  This is going to make it much easier for me to share scanned material with the students.  I can see so much potential for using the iPads in a style that allows them to learn some 21st century work skills while learning the academic subjects.  Now with google, I'll be able to use subtext and I have to see if schoology uses a google sign-in.  I know many apps are now allowing you to use them with a google sign in.  I am looking forward to it.
This will allow me to assign projects using nearpod that will be presented to the rest of the class.  One new thing in the state math standards are for students to do more project work and more tasks where they have to show their thought processes.  Of course I can send the task out in a pdf file and they can show their work using an app that allows them to write on it and they can get it back to me.
Ohh the possibilities

QR code Maker and updates

Today I had my students scan a QR code that gave them directions to QR Maker and a task to do with the application.  It is nice that the QR Maker will allow them to answer simple questions.  I just had them tell me what is the most important thing to remember?  They wrote their answers in the QR maker and I read the answers.  This is just a task so they learn to use the application. I am thinking of having some problems posted around the room, they do the answers and then record the answers only in the QR so I can check it later.  I plan to try it next week.
I am going to try Nearpod next week.  Due to extra things I had this week, I did not get the presentation finished so I am aiming for next Tuesday.  I look forward to trying it.  I spoke to another teacher who uses Schoology and she indicated that if the internet is sluggish, the kids might have difficulty using that app.  This is going to be fun.
A board member spoke to me of how paperless is the future and we should all be working towards that.  I have no problem once I get all the apps up and running so I can have that but until then, I have to use a certain amount of paper.  My fear is that it will be harder for someone to prove that they turned something in unless you can have it set up to generate some sort of acknowledgement of receipt. 
I saw a nice little item talking about introducing students  one app at a time so they learn to use the apps and not become overwhelmed by them.

Nearpod, Schoology, Edmodo and Subtext

I am working with the tech dept to get these four programs up and running and integrated as we think these together will give us all we need.  Currently, we are still working on getting Nearpod working in the classroom so that I can use it more often.  The next project is Edmodo because I can set up groups for my students, assign work, have then turn it back in and I can assign work using Subtext.  I worked with Subtext some this summer.  I discovered I can take material off the web or send myself a PDF, add activities, notes, etc so reading materials becomes more interactive.  This is important as many of my students are classified as ELL (ESL) and they do not like reading.  I can link the reading to a video, a picture, or a quiz that I can administer to find out how well they understand the material.
I've never actually used Schoology but I'm told it can help me manage my classroom iPads better.  It was recommended by the tech dept based on one of the teachers in the elementary school who is using it.  The tech guy already downloaded it onto the sink station so now I have to figure out how to use it.  Update:  I found a couple of places online that are comparing Schoology to Edmodo and this will help me determine if they offer the same things or if I need both.
 My timeline is get Nearpod working, edmodo  and subtext, and check out schoology in there to see how to implement it.
On the other hand, if this all helps me have a more paperless classroom, I am all for it.  While writing this, I realized I could stick a T/F quiz in before students read a new section as an anticipation set and then have them find the information to prove or disprove statements which are projected on the Smartboard.  If anyone has experience with Schoology, please post a comment so I can hear from people who are using it.