Web Tools 8

I think the ipads will be very helpful in the classroom this fall.  As I have had an ipod and iphone for some time I was very happy to realize that I was familiar with many of the features and naigation of the ipad.  Being able to sync all the devices in my room with pertinent apps will be very helpful.  The fludity of navigation and the intuitiveness of controls on the ipad will make for a smooth learning experience for the students when we are exploring math-based apps.  On days when we use the ipads there will a a set routine (certain handlers to bring out and put away the ipads, ipad counters, etc.) to ensure that all the ipads are accounted for and being used properly.

Web Tools 7

There are many ways to collaborate with another classroom.  Two easy to use tools for this would be Dropbox and Google Docs.  All the students in both classes would have immediate access to and be able to update and modify documents and information from the other classroom.  Information would be exchanging hands in real time.  A online collaborative project would be to collect real world exponential function examples and compare the rate at which the dependent value grows or decays.
a)  The students will compile real world examples of exponential growth or decay and compose a function with real world data supporting their function
b)  This project will take place during the exponential function section, after they have become familiar with the nature of the function
c)  Dropbox
d)  Students will find real life examples of exponential growth or decay (populations, diseases, etc), supported with real-life data.  The students will then compose a function that models the data and will put this information into a document which will be placed into Dropbox.  Students from the other class will be able to access this and contribute towards fine-tuning or adding to the research.

Web Tools 6

I obviously have a Blogger account as this is being posted there, useful in keeping the students up to date on various developments in the course.  I also set up my Twitter account, https://twitter.com/#!/MrBilesMHS, which is very useful in giving immediate information o students, such as a change in tutorial hours or location of a make-up test.  Also encouraging student discussion on different material to get immediate feedback on certain concepts would be great as well.

Web Tools 5 (Creating on the Web)

I think the tools used in Web Tools 5 are a lot of fun and bring a fun and personal slant to the material.  A teacher can make films and comics about the material with students' pictures and personalities interjected into the lesson.  With my comic strip I played on a saying I often use in class (the "Y" not)
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=8059337C661417

and with the video I used an old-timey format with some pics of some of the things I love, the vast majority unknown to kids or a sure sign of me being old.  I wasn't able to figure out how to insert title cards between each  pic, however.
http://studio.stupeflix.com/v/GieVFsc1J8/

Web Tools 4: Google Docs

I believe Google Docs is a very valuable tool for teachers for both collaborating on material and planning as well as assessing students' understanding of material.  Six weeks roadmaps can be shared and edited by team members with suggestions and changes being immediately seen.  Also online quizzes can be accessed by students for immediate feedback on their understanding. 

Web Tools 3

There are many videos helpful to teachers and students on Youtube and Teacher Tube.  On Youtube one can find many graphic representations done on powerful computers of mathematical concepts and figuers, such as conic sections, that can help students visualize a possibly complicated idea.


On Teacher Tube one can find teachers explaining concepts which can help students have a visual explanation at their beck and call as well as it can gives teachers ideas on on different ways to present material.

Web Tools 2

I believe that social networks are a useful tool for sharing ideas and thoughts on how to better our classrooms.  If one teacher stumbles upon a useful website that can help demonstrate a concept it benefits everyone if that teacher can share the address and put that tool in the hands of all teachers.  A very powerful and useful math website that I will explore is Wolfram Alpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com/).