STSD Curriculum & Technology Update

Regular updates and musings on curriculum and technology in the Salisbury Township School District in Allentown, PA.

Podcasting and the Interactive Whiteboard

I’m starting to have a group of children in math create tutorials using electronic tablets and the SmartBoard recorder. We are focusing on open-ended problems for the PSSA. The students type in an open-ended problem and use the tablet for writing and showing their math work.  By using the recorder, they are dictating how they are solving the problems.  I can quickly assess their understanding and application of the learned skills.  If necessary they make modifications to their tutorials.

They are able to save this file for future use.  I am going to categorize the problems and then use them as tutorials for other students.  It is my goal to have a full library of tutorials for students to access as needed.  Maybe I’ll even be able to link them to their Study Island activities.

It is taking students longer than I expected to create these instructional podcasts. The time is well spent because it forces the students to clarify and verbalize their thinking.  I’m hoping the students will get faster as they become more comfortable working in the program.

Sample Podcast (AVI file - 27 MB)

Cathy Yurconic

Comments

Bravo Cathy.  I love it.  I knew I like those smart boards for mathematics.  I really hope that we will be able to get them through the grant next year for the high schol math teachers.  It is good that they are getting some training early on and will be “experts by the time they get to the high school.  It is a very exciting time to be teaching albeit a little scary as well since it is so far removed from the way we were taught.  Thank you for your continued willingness to try new things and take risks and then share.

Cathie,

I realize there needs be a more defined written explanation in the word column of the T chart.  I was able to share that error with students.  It was only their third taping and in its developmental stages. It was interesting; when they were recording , I was instructing and modeling the same open ended in the classroom.  When they completed their recording and saved it on the t drive I was able to pull it up in the classroom. We were able to critique and compare the two. It helped show the class even though they may know the math, they need to communicate it in written form as well.  We could hear the explanation but not see it.  It was a good point to make with the group considering they are the gifted / high achievers.  Even though they have strong math skills, most find it challenging to their write thoughts clearly.  Where I took this lesson was very eye opening to many of them.  I have seen improvement in their writing since this lesson.

As for the posting, I felt a bit rushed and wanted to see if my idea would work for open ended questions.  It is by no means a final product.  Consider it a springboard from which to learn while casting out the idea to all and showing them where this tool can support mathematic instruction.. Finding the time to create and refine this strategy, while preparing the students for the PSSA is challenging at the moment.  I hope to continue to improve this strategy in both my top class and remedial classes by the end of the year. 

Thanks again for your support.

Cathy

Cathy,

We’ve been using the T-chart for many years in the elementary schools to provide our students opportunities to problem-solve by showing and explaining. This SMARTboard will allow the T-chart a firsthand experience to really SEE how students show and explain. I can understand how powerful the tutorials will serve as models for other students, and the use of the tutorials on the “big screen” will allow students to more fully “catch” the concept of how a problem was solved. The visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning experiences that magnify by using the SMARTboard will furhter enhance our students’ ability to learn from one another. Thanks for sharing what you are supporting and how your findings and risk-taking to impact problem-solving will serve as examples for our students and teachers at the elementary level.

Kudoes to you and your students! I am so excited for our teachers and students to eventually take our abiltiy to dialogue and collaborate at a higher level with all areas of curriculum with the implementation of SMART Classrooms. I would like to schedule a time for my teachers and me to see your work firsthand.

Bobbie

Cathy, I would love to see your students in action.  The integration of math, writing, technology, and making students’ thinking public is so powerful.  I applaud your efforts to “think different” with your students.  If there is a good time for me to stop by, please let me know.  It sounds exciting!

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