Technology Plan

Over the course of this semester, I have been exposed to many new technologies. In my unit on polygons and symmetry I would like to use some of these technologies, as well as others that may have not been covered. I really like the idea of having a Wiki for a class. I think this is a great way for students to get help when they are outside of the classroom. students can work together collaboratively to complete tasks inside and outside of the classroom by using a Wiki. this is also a space where students that may have been absent can get caught up with the work that they have missed. I also really liked the idea of a photo story. I think that this is a good tool for both students and teachers. Teachers can use a photo story to present material to their students. I really like the idea of have a photo story on commonly missed problems on an exam or homework set. The pictures can be of teh incorrect work and the voice can be the explanation of why the solution is incorrect. On the other hand, students can use photo story to complete projects or give a presentation to the class.
I would like to teacher polygons and symmetry using some technological tools. In this lesson I want students to be able to identify which polygons are symmetrical (both reflection and rotation) and which are not. I would like them to know all types of quadrilaterals, as well as teh different types of triangles. Students should also know the basic properties of these polygons. I also want students to learn about regular polygons and what makes the special. I will be covering the following standards:

G1.4.1: Solve multistep problems and construct proofs involving angles measure, side length, diagonal length, perimeter, and area of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, kites, and trapezoids.

G1.4.3: Describe and justify hierarchical relationships among quadrilaterals.

G3.1.1: Define reflection, rotation, translation, and glide reflection and find the image of a figure under a given isometry.

G3.1.2: Given two figures that are images of each other under an isometry, find the isometry and describe it completely.

I would like to design a Wiki that has the assignments and projects required for this unit. I want students to be able to work with one another an be able to post questions or concerns that they have about the assignments and material. This Wiki will also have links to different applets that will assist students as wel progress through teh unit. because this unit is so visual with rotating, reflecting, and translating figures, I think it will be very beneficial for students to see these isometries and manipulates the figures themselves. I will also have different resources posted on this Wiki and invite students to post any that they have found as well. Then students who would like more information on the material or need extra help can easily find it.
There will be a couple of projects throughout this unit that require the use of technology. First, students will create a photo story. They will have to find and take pictures of 10 different symmetrical objects (rotation and reflection). They will collect these pictures into a photo story and record themselves explaining the location of the lines of symmetry as well as its rotational symmetry (if applicable). Later on in the unit, as students learn more about the quadrilaterals and their properties, they will create another photo story in a group. Each group will be assigned a different quadrilateral and they will become "experts" on that figure. They will try to find objects that represent each quadrilateral and take pictures of them. Then they will create another photo story where they point out the quadrilateral, as well as the properties associated with each one. They can use the Wiki to communicate with one another and share their pictures and photo stories. Once finished, they will post their photo story on the Wiki to share with their classmates and then present their findings to the class.

Podcasts in Education

I created a mini-lesson on circuits for a physics classroom. Students would be given a light bulb, wire, and battery. Then I would give them the goal of lighting the bulb. I would want them to find constructions that light the bulb and constructions that do not light the bulb. Then we would transition to drawing these symbolically and I would show them the following podcast. After viewing the podcast, students will be able to draw their successful circuits. Students would then listen to a second podcast. After this podcast, students will understand the requirements to have a successful circuit. They will use this knowledge during a quick write on why/why not certain configurations of the bulb, wire, and battery did not work.
I think podcasting can be used as an educational tool inside and outside of the classroom. I like the idea of highlighting the important ideas of a lesson on a podcast. Students that missed the class can listen to the podcast and learn what topics they missed. This also reminds students about the key points and what they should have taken away from the lesson. Parents can also listen to these podcasts to get an idea of what their child is learning at school. I think I like the podcast that have visuals along with the audio. I am a very visual person and I think I would have difficulty strictly listening to information on my computer. I do not think students would retain that information very well either.