I watched the tutorial entitled: "Do Larger Pumpkins Have More Seeds?", by Mr. Patrick Oliver. I really liked this tutorial. When I was watching it at first i thought it was going to be rather boring. Once i started watching it, it pulled me in and i liked it. This project incorporated many different things into it like: learning to use spreadsheets, mathematics, he was even talking about the writing that he has had them doing. The students were asked to guess the weight and amount of seeds that were in each one. The students were split up into groups, after they made their predictions, they were asked to weigh the pumpkins and pull out the seeds and count them. Once they were done with this, they then took their data and inserted it into the interactive learning spreadsheet that the teacher made. In the end they were able to view their predictions vs. the actual amount in a bar graph. I thought this was very cool. not only does using the spreadsheet and using the bar graph put things into prospective for the student, it is a new and interesting way to learn.
There are several ways that i could incorporate this into my geometry class. In using the pumpkins we could make it so that they would have to predict the diameter. Then using the formula the student would find the real diameter of a circle. we could then insert it into the spread sheet so they could see their differences. When working with geometry there are many different things that can be done. If we were looking at trying to do angles. we could bring in a pool table and use that. then plug the different angles into a spreadsheet to show the differences (acute, obtuse...ect). I really like this way of teaching. Not only does it bring technology into the classroom but it also allows the student a different and more fun way of learning.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Jigsaw and Education
Jigsaw and Education
In today’s age there has been many technological advances, several of them apply to the educational field. I think it is exciting the many ways that technology has been incorporated into the classrooms. One of the various ways of incorporating technology is to use a learning method called “The Jigsaw” method.
When using this method the teacher would break the class up into groups of 5 or 6, and give them a topic. Then each individual would get assigned a subtopic to research. Once the subtopic is given then each groups breaks up into topic specific groups. These groups are known as the “Expert Groups”. Once the research is done and they have gone over their research with the other “experts”, they return to their original groups of 5 or 6. The individual then presents their research information in the form of a presentation to the rest of the group. Once everyone has presented their information the groups are given tests about the entire topic. How would I use this method in my classroom with limited computers?
The answer to that is simple. Once I have everyone in their groups, I would assign one computer per expert group. That way, a wealth of information is shared that is topic specific. There are a few problems that I foresee with this. The children would have to take turns, and that as we know can be difficult sometimes. The other thing I see being the problem is I don’t think everyone would be putting in 100%. If the subtopic groups are together researching, then some of the students don’t really have to pay attention, because they have the others doing the research. No matter what way a teacher decides to run this program, there will be disadvantages. I also think there will be advantages as well.
Some of the advantages to using this method would be: students learn from different methods, researching done by the student helps them to retain more information; a student may listen and learn more in the smaller groups. These are just some of the advantages to learning, using the jigsaw technique.
In today’s age there has been many technological advances, several of them apply to the educational field. I think it is exciting the many ways that technology has been incorporated into the classrooms. One of the various ways of incorporating technology is to use a learning method called “The Jigsaw” method.
When using this method the teacher would break the class up into groups of 5 or 6, and give them a topic. Then each individual would get assigned a subtopic to research. Once the subtopic is given then each groups breaks up into topic specific groups. These groups are known as the “Expert Groups”. Once the research is done and they have gone over their research with the other “experts”, they return to their original groups of 5 or 6. The individual then presents their research information in the form of a presentation to the rest of the group. Once everyone has presented their information the groups are given tests about the entire topic. How would I use this method in my classroom with limited computers?
The answer to that is simple. Once I have everyone in their groups, I would assign one computer per expert group. That way, a wealth of information is shared that is topic specific. There are a few problems that I foresee with this. The children would have to take turns, and that as we know can be difficult sometimes. The other thing I see being the problem is I don’t think everyone would be putting in 100%. If the subtopic groups are together researching, then some of the students don’t really have to pay attention, because they have the others doing the research. No matter what way a teacher decides to run this program, there will be disadvantages. I also think there will be advantages as well.
Some of the advantages to using this method would be: students learn from different methods, researching done by the student helps them to retain more information; a student may listen and learn more in the smaller groups. These are just some of the advantages to learning, using the jigsaw technique.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Google Tools
I think it is so awesome to have this kind of technology at our finger tips. We are able to have planners and look things up with just the touch of a button. I like the concept of not having to download software, it is ready to go as soon as you sign in. I also like the fact that we are able to access these programs and our materials from any Internet connection. One of the convenient things about these programs is that it is free for teachers, students, and alumni.
Some of the many tools I would use in the classroom include: google docs, GMail, iGoogle, and Google groups. These tools would come in handy when a student has questions on homework and would able to get in touch with myself or other students. Google makes it easy to stay connected and communicate with one another. I really like the concept of the iGoogle. I think this is a great way of having everything at your command. I think this program would really help the students considering all of the things that you can access. Group google and google docs are really great programs as well. A student is able to share and revise documents with fellow classmates and get their input. It is also a great way to get lesson notes and other things that someone might have missed in class.
One of the really cool looking tools, at least for a teacher, would be the Google notebook. With all of the different features on this application i think it would be great for teaching. Being able to save certain things from different web sites and incorporate them all into one teaching lesson is an awesome ability.
One of the many advantages to using google docs is that a student is able to share their work with other students. They are able to get constructive criticism and apply it to their work. They get feed back from multiple students, which I think is critical. I really like this concept and I think it should be incorporated in every school. Not only is it free and growing with the new technology trend, but it is very useful for teachers and their students.
Some of the many tools I would use in the classroom include: google docs, GMail, iGoogle, and Google groups. These tools would come in handy when a student has questions on homework and would able to get in touch with myself or other students. Google makes it easy to stay connected and communicate with one another. I really like the concept of the iGoogle. I think this is a great way of having everything at your command. I think this program would really help the students considering all of the things that you can access. Group google and google docs are really great programs as well. A student is able to share and revise documents with fellow classmates and get their input. It is also a great way to get lesson notes and other things that someone might have missed in class.
One of the really cool looking tools, at least for a teacher, would be the Google notebook. With all of the different features on this application i think it would be great for teaching. Being able to save certain things from different web sites and incorporate them all into one teaching lesson is an awesome ability.
One of the many advantages to using google docs is that a student is able to share their work with other students. They are able to get constructive criticism and apply it to their work. They get feed back from multiple students, which I think is critical. I really like this concept and I think it should be incorporated in every school. Not only is it free and growing with the new technology trend, but it is very useful for teachers and their students.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Letter to Parents
Dear Parents,
My name is Jessica Burns and I will be teaching your children this semester. There are a few things would like you to know about the class, and how I plan to involve everyone in my teachings. There are three different acts surrounding education and working with the disabled. They are: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], Americans with Disability Act [ADA], and the Assistive Technology Act [ATA].
I am sharing this with you so that you may feel comfortable speaking with me or another member of the staff if you are having any problems or concerns with your children. IDEA is an act that provides guidelines and requirements for each state. Each state must provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive an education and various other services. The state then helps them to build an Individualized Education Program [IEP]. With this the individuals can then receive the education, and time that is needed to have a better future. If you would like to know more about this funding you may contact me or another qualified professional to see if you meet the requirements and the steps that should be taken. There are also links at the bottom of this letter if you would like to get more information on anything.
The ADA act was put into place to help Americans with disabilities to not be discriminated against. If a person with a disability applies for a job and meets the qualification requirements, they shall have an equal opportunity for employment. It is my job as a teacher to help your children get the most out of this school year and I intend to do just that. If there is any special assistance needed please don’t hesitate to ask. My goal is to give everyone an equal start to their bright futures.
The ATA act was passed with the knowledge that technology is becoming a big part of education and people’s everyday lives. With this knowledge Congress passed this law stating the government will fund Assistive Technology, AT. AT is used to help individuals with disabilities in their personal lives and to become more involved. With this act we are able to use government funding for any type of educational requirement that a student might need to receive. It is important that you let me know so I am able to assist you and your child in receiving the best education possible
In short, I am implementing all of these into my class room. I am able to help provide you with a person that can draw up the IEP’s and can help us to apply for the appropriate funding. If you have any questions or need anything don’t hesitate to let me know. I am here to provide the best learning and environment for learning that I am capable of. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jessica Burns
List of group members posts
http://jiamarieacree.blogspot.com/
http://cfdraw.blogspot.com/
http://heatherdavis202edtech.blogspot.com/
http://jocelynstearns.blogspot.com/
http://ryleemcclellan.blogspot.com/
http://timyoungblood.blogspot.com/
http://trush-trush.blogspot.com/
http://willwardwell.blogspot.com/
All About IDEA
http://specialed.about.com/od/idea/a/ideadefined.htm
The Americans with Disabilities Act,
Http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/ada.html
ATA source
http://www.section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html
My name is Jessica Burns and I will be teaching your children this semester. There are a few things would like you to know about the class, and how I plan to involve everyone in my teachings. There are three different acts surrounding education and working with the disabled. They are: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], Americans with Disability Act [ADA], and the Assistive Technology Act [ATA].
I am sharing this with you so that you may feel comfortable speaking with me or another member of the staff if you are having any problems or concerns with your children. IDEA is an act that provides guidelines and requirements for each state. Each state must provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive an education and various other services. The state then helps them to build an Individualized Education Program [IEP]. With this the individuals can then receive the education, and time that is needed to have a better future. If you would like to know more about this funding you may contact me or another qualified professional to see if you meet the requirements and the steps that should be taken. There are also links at the bottom of this letter if you would like to get more information on anything.
The ADA act was put into place to help Americans with disabilities to not be discriminated against. If a person with a disability applies for a job and meets the qualification requirements, they shall have an equal opportunity for employment. It is my job as a teacher to help your children get the most out of this school year and I intend to do just that. If there is any special assistance needed please don’t hesitate to ask. My goal is to give everyone an equal start to their bright futures.
The ATA act was passed with the knowledge that technology is becoming a big part of education and people’s everyday lives. With this knowledge Congress passed this law stating the government will fund Assistive Technology, AT. AT is used to help individuals with disabilities in their personal lives and to become more involved. With this act we are able to use government funding for any type of educational requirement that a student might need to receive. It is important that you let me know so I am able to assist you and your child in receiving the best education possible
In short, I am implementing all of these into my class room. I am able to help provide you with a person that can draw up the IEP’s and can help us to apply for the appropriate funding. If you have any questions or need anything don’t hesitate to let me know. I am here to provide the best learning and environment for learning that I am capable of. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jessica Burns
List of group members posts
http://jiamarieacree.blogspot.com/
http://cfdraw.blogspot.com/
http://heatherdavis202edtech.blogspot.com/
http://jocelynstearns.blogspot.com/
http://ryleemcclellan.blogspot.com/
http://timyoungblood.blogspot.com/
http://trush-trush.blogspot.com/
http://willwardwell.blogspot.com/
All About IDEA
http://specialed.about.com/od/idea/a/ideadefined.htm
The Americans with Disabilities Act,
Http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/ada.html
ATA source
http://www.section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
IDEA
Until the 1970’s, children that struggled with disabilities often were not allowed in the classroom. When allowed into the classroom, these individuals would be put together into a generic class, often taught in the basement of a school or an outside trailer. In today’s society that approach is frowned upon and children with disabilities have many more opportunities to learn and get a good education.
These opportunities were founded from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]. This is a law that directs public agencies to present the opportunity for children with disabilities to receive education and other various services. IDEA 2004 defines the reason for special education. Because of this act children must be granted a FAPE which is a Free Appropriate Public Education. A FAPE will help them succeed in their future endeavors and allow them to get the education they need and deserve.
One of the ways that IDEA has helped these people to succeed is the use of an Individualized Education Program [IEP]. When IDEA was rewritten in 2004, congress intended for it to work hand in hand with the No Child Left Behind Act [NCLB] to achieve a better IEP. The IEP helps the government to assess what help a child might need or require and how well their individual program is working for them as a student.
There are some stipulations that a child must qualify for to receive funding, some of which include the area of disability. Some of these disabilities include but are not limited to: mental retardation, autism, and brain injury. There are 13 categories of disability that a person may qualify under to receive this specific aid. This act covers people from birth to 26 years of age.
Overall the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a great program and is definitely needed in America. It is important that every citizen in the United States is educated and is able to receive the best education possible despite a disability. This act is absolutely pertinent to today’s children and future children of America.
Works Cited
Newsroom. (2005, August 9). Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act Burden of Proof: On Parents or Schools?: hhtp://www.ncd.gov/
Steedman, W. (2008, September 15). Wrightslaw: Idea 2004. Retrieved June 15, 2009,
from 10 Tips: How to Use IDEA 2004 to Improve Your Child's Special Education: http://www.wrightslaw.com/idea/art/10.tips.steedman.htm
Wikipedia. (2009, June 8). Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Individuals with Disabilities
Education: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_with_Disabilities_Education_Act
These opportunities were founded from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]. This is a law that directs public agencies to present the opportunity for children with disabilities to receive education and other various services. IDEA 2004 defines the reason for special education. Because of this act children must be granted a FAPE which is a Free Appropriate Public Education. A FAPE will help them succeed in their future endeavors and allow them to get the education they need and deserve.
One of the ways that IDEA has helped these people to succeed is the use of an Individualized Education Program [IEP]. When IDEA was rewritten in 2004, congress intended for it to work hand in hand with the No Child Left Behind Act [NCLB] to achieve a better IEP. The IEP helps the government to assess what help a child might need or require and how well their individual program is working for them as a student.
There are some stipulations that a child must qualify for to receive funding, some of which include the area of disability. Some of these disabilities include but are not limited to: mental retardation, autism, and brain injury. There are 13 categories of disability that a person may qualify under to receive this specific aid. This act covers people from birth to 26 years of age.
Overall the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a great program and is definitely needed in America. It is important that every citizen in the United States is educated and is able to receive the best education possible despite a disability. This act is absolutely pertinent to today’s children and future children of America.
Works Cited
Newsroom. (2005, August 9). Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act Burden of Proof: On Parents or Schools?: hhtp://www.ncd.gov/
Steedman, W. (2008, September 15). Wrightslaw: Idea 2004. Retrieved June 15, 2009,
from 10 Tips: How to Use IDEA 2004 to Improve Your Child's Special Education: http://www.wrightslaw.com/idea/art/10.tips.steedman.htm
Wikipedia. (2009, June 8). Retrieved June 15, 2009, from Individuals with Disabilities
Education: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_with_Disabilities_Education_Act
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
About Me
Hey there, my name is Jessica Burns. I am a 25 year old female that was born and raised in Boise, ID. I have lived in this beautiful city my whole life. I am pursuing a degree in secondary education. I would like to be a math teacher. Math has always come natural to me, even though I may not enjoy it all of the time. I am currently working in an office as the accounts receivable guru, and I am going to school part time. I am a single mother of one and she is my heart and soul. I enjoy children every much.
I was originally pursuing a degree in psychology to become a counselor. I have worked with people of various ages before and it takes a lot of work. I figure in teaching, I won't take as much of my work home with me. Not so much the tests and things, but more of the emotional draining things that tend to wander in my mind. One of the things that really made me think of being a teacher was how much trouble I had in junior high and high school. Not so much with my grades but fitting in and being picked on.
I found some of my teachers would go the extra mile and help me to look at situations differently. They really made an impact on who I am today. That is one of the teachers I want to be. Back to the math though... I excelled in geometry and algebra and I deal with numbers all day at work. So it only makes sense to me to go into what I am good at.
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