VIDEO REFLECTION

This video will be used for direct instruction as I attempt to flip my fourth-grade Math class. The class is almost done with our current Geometry module, so I decided to begin this teaching method with our next module starting in two weeks. The video will be uploaded to EdPuzzle so that I can assign it for my students to watch as homework. By using EdPuzzle, I will be able to monitor what students viewed the video, and I will add a brief quiz at the for them to demonstrate their mastery of the topic.

This first fraction lesson is teaching students to decompose fractions. It will help them later in the module when they have to convert fractions from improper to mixed numbers and find common denominators. I modeled my video after Khan Academy because I feel the simplicity of the Khan Academy videos is very effective in delivering instruction to students. My philosophy in teaching Math is based on the cognitivist theory. I like to scaffold instruction and break down concepts so that students can learn in increments and small chunks and build on previously mastered skills.

Using videos to deliver instruction as homework will enhance student learning because students will be able to engage in more practice with my help in the classroom. I am directed to use the Engage NY Math curriculum, and the way concepts are taught is very different than the way my students' parents learned when they were young. As a result, parents are not able to effectively help their children with homework. Now students will be able to watch a video at home, and I will be able to help them practice the skill in the classroom. The EdPuzzle quiz results will help me determine what students are ready for the next step, and which students require intervention. Students who have mastered the concepts can explore the curriculum's application problems instead of being bored listing to direct instruction of something they already know how to do. The videos will also be helpful because the students will be able to access them at any time. This will benefit students who were absent or students who need to review. Parents will also get a better understanding of the methods that are currently being used to teach math.

CREATION REFLECTION

I used my iPad and the Explain Everything App to create this Screencast. I like that the Explain Everything has a built in voice recorder and files can be saved to Google Drive or uploaded directly to YouTube.

I have used Explain Everything in the classroom with my Apple TV to teach instead of a document camera, but I have never used the voice recording feature.

I realize that I need an external mic. You can hear the tapping of my stylus on the iPad screen while I am writing. I have a clip on mic that my students have used for movie projects that I could have utilized for this screencast. I am also considering getting a Wacom Intuos drawing pad so that I can make screencasts on my computer and potentially increase editing capabilities. This might make it easier to add graphics or images to my screencast. I would also like to play with the screen in screen video, at least for the introduction, so that my students can see my face while I introduce the concept. I think this will engage my students and help them to take the instruction seriously.

I know that I need to work on shortening my instruction and writing neatly. I'm still getting used to writing on a touchscreen. The stylus helps, but it is different than writing on paper. I hope that my 7 1/2 minute video is not too long for my kids. I anticipate that watching the video and completing the short EdPuzzle quiz will talk the majority of my students 12-15 minutes to complete and lower level students up to 20 minutes. I think this is reasonable for 4th Grade level homework.