Link to Apollo for In Class Lessons https://apollo.atlaslearning.net
Link to Principal Thomas' blog with photos from one next gen session.
Our room is the Cedar Ridge High School Pilot for the Next Generation Digital Classroom. What does that mean?
Put simply, we will be using some amazing technology to enhance our learning and help us to become the critical thinkers and problem solvers that will be needed in the future. It's more than cool tools, it's using tools wisely to make it easier to grasp concepts and to also extend our thinking.
In the Spring of 2013 I switched from the traditional model (direct teach) to a flipped classroom. The way it works is that I assign a few short videos (on average 15 minutes total or less) and the students watch the videos and complete the notes. I used fill in the blank notes that fit a journal initially but switched to Cornell notes in 2014 because the format accommodated a more interactive lesson style. A set of notes normally starts with an exploration of a concept leading to the principal or rule and then a simple application of the rule which I do on the video. I've added in an individual practice problem that is very similar to the example in order to build more of a stake in watching the video. In class, I check the notes for completion which includes filling in blanks and showing all of the work that I show. Individual practice problems should also show work. In class we will do an ungraded quiz based on the individual practice problems so I can group students accordingly.
There have been several benefits to switching to this model:
Did it help students improve? I saw a marked improvement in benchmark scores for the 2012-2013 students when I switched midyear.
Condensing the lesson to the essentials makes me distill my thinking and present the lesson in the clearest way I can think of.
Students who are absent can still experience the lesson and take notes.
Students can take notes and absorb the lesson at their own speed.
Students learn how to show work.
Students are working on the hard problems when I am available instead of at home by themselves.
I am able to interact with nearly every student every day.
It's a resource for parents and tutors.
Flipping gives us more time to use tablet technology to take our learning a step further, making it more interactive and engaging.
Visit my page about flipped classrooms to learn more. I know you are curious about the cool tools we will have so here they are...
Devices (Hardware)
Samsung Galaxy Notes (A Class set of Tablets)
Interactive Projector
Netbooks - (The Geometry teachers share 2 class sets of Netbooks)
TI-84 Calculators <- it's important to learn how to use these because you will not be using tablets for tests or your PSAT or SAT for that matter.
Soft Tools (Software):
Google Sites: Where you found this wonderful website.
Youtube: easiest way to access video lessons. Lessons are also available on DVD upon request.
Geogebra: interactive browser based software that lets us explore geometry and algebra.
Desmos: Online graphing application.
Apollo: Browser based interface that helps us manage classwork, quizzes and also access the work done electronically in class)*
Homeroom: browser based interface for assignments, forums, etc.*
Remind101: Text alerts for tests, announcements
Edmodo: Forum for math.