Tuesday

1. Describe something you learned.

I have found that my background in linear modeling is fairly solid, but can definitely be far more effective using cell phones as a context for instruction. I learned how to owrk further in Fathom this morning as I downloaded a demo version and found the data file on DASL that Angie was using. That helped me in the afternoon with the Fathom TV scenario. Mary Ross gave me hope for bringing Oroville into the pack.

AND, I fear that I must be SOOO much of a digital immigrant that I feel very much of a fuddy-duddy in discussion about how students learn. I still don't know about HOW students learn better this way, other than it simply is because they WANT to.

2. What do you still have questions about or would still like to learn?

I would like to see the reserach about how the brain processes better this way. I have seen contrary evidence about how multitasking in fact is NOT more efficient. I have no evidence of retention, and I firmly believe that there is some physical memory that needs to be developed. I am struggling with the thought that texting, etc. can count as kinesthetic. I am not trying to be a nay-sayer, as I am one of the first to jump onto innovation, but....... I feel very discomfitted! I know that I can learn this material and apply it, but philosophically I am not sure of its "rightness" and am struglling with how to blend the best of all practices. Where is the best fit?

3. What applications are there to classroom practice?

The linear modeling examples from this afternoon are directly applicable and I can use immediately. Mary's information on learning progressions and formative assessments fit things I am already doing, but need to be more intentional.

Fathom will contiue to be a learning curve - and very applicable. I would like to see more about how to motivate pre-algebra learners with it - I have ideas, but will have to work on development. is there something already out there, as I would like not to have to re-invent the wheel.