Technology is Great*!
*When it works and has a purpose
Well, another pretty good week in the books! I’ve decided on my lesson for this rotation, and have found the applet I want to use to introduce the topic.
This week's focused observation of tech ties in really well to this week! For my lesson, which I will probably teach next week, I’m planning on using Geogebra to introduce the different congruent angles with parallel lines. My hope is that having the students use the applet on their own and with their peers will allow them to visually see what angles are congruent, and how they stay congruent when the lines are manipulated. After that, I plan on coming back together and filling out guided notes to make sure everyone has the same information (since Mrs. Goney lets them use their notes on their tests).
Every day Goney has used the Doc Cam to go over the previous day’s homework and the day’s notes. This use of technology allows all of the students to see the notes all at the same time, and allows for Goney to illustrate tips and tricks when it comes to proofs. For example, she will use highlighters and box in parts of the proof that “we want to keep” and use another color for “those that we want to cancel out.” Being able to have students see in real time the thought process and overall process of how proofs are done has seemed to help students understand and catch on to the bigger ideas.
On top of that, this also helps other students to learn from their peers. This week a student had asked about a way that they did a proof, and Goney was able to essentially show it on the doc cam. THen, she was able to work with the student through their process with the rest of the class being able to see. This helps to show that proofs can be done in multiple ways, and aids in developing other students confidence if they had done a proof in a similar but slightly different manner.
Yet, the doc cam does have downfalls, as all of technology does. Its great when it works, but is not so great when it doesn’t. To be fair, this is the only time thus far that I’ve seen the doc cam have any issues, so that is a plus. When going through notes on Tuesday, the doc cam froze for about 3 minutes. While this doesn’t have a huge impact, it can be frustrating. Luckily it was only frozen for about a few moments, it does take some on the spot thinking to resolve the issue, and plan for the worst case scenario if it hadn’t become unstuck.
Speaking of downfalls of technology, we had a tornado drill this week! And like I witnessed last week during the fire drill, the majority of the teachers' walkie talkies don't work (and haven't worked for years)! There was only one in our section during the fire drill, and same for the tornado drill. Apparently many teachers have complained, but no one is doing anything about it (not good :o). For the tornado drill, Goney didn't even bring hers because she knows it doesn't work (and hasn't for a few years). This seems to be a common problem... and one that is pretty important to the safety of the students. I'm surprised the administration isn't doing anything.
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| Me, when I found out the walkie talkies don't work |
Mrs. Goney also is a lead in the technology department at Cowan. Because of this, she does know quite a few things about technology and how to solve many IT issues. On Monday, a neighboring teacher came in because he was having issues with his computer. He was wanting to play a documentary on Netflix, but no one’s Netflix login was working. Goney went to the other teacher's classroom and tried to help. I’m not sure if it was resolved, but this speaks to the varying reliability of technology in the classroom. This is why it’s important to test your websites and materials prior to class so that you don’t run into any issues when it comes time to begin your lesson.
All technology that my mentor teacher uses has a purpose for being used in the classroom. Goney has her students work on IXL, an online program, when they have extra time to develop their skills. This isn’t for a grade or points, as she’s stated that Covid has really impacted their confidence in trying/getting things correct. She states that she's trying to de-emphasize grades and points, especially on IXL, because it is important that the students at least try and learn that it is okay to make mistakes.
Week 2 went by very fast, once again, and I’m betting next week will as well. Until then, I have a lesson to prepare!
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