Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Theory vs Reality

So today I polled some of my high school classes about what they thought of blogging, texting, or facebooking as a class for mathematical enrichment/learning.  I must admit I was a bit surprised by their reaction.  "No way, leave us alone" was generally the theme.  After further reflection I guess I should not have been surprised.  But this will not deter me from attempting some of these ideas.  It did make me realize though that technology is not a magic pill that will make all students learn...it's just like any other method...it will engage some but not all...it's just another tool(s) on the belt.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Hit in the Face with Conviction

As I struggle to find comfort with things like wiki spaces I find myself rationalizing why I have no time for this and why it is not of worth to me.  Oh how often do students express those same thoughts to me about math problems.  And how do I respond?  "Be patient...persevere...you'll see value in the end...it will put hair on your chest."  Ok, so I'm kidding on the last part, that can't be said to high school students.  But seriously, I will have to take my own medicine.  I know there is value and I will persevere.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Inaugural Blog

Well, here I am beginning courses to earn a master's degree.  I never thought I would actually do it.  But the gap between my technological experience and my students is too big to ignore any longer.  So a program for a master's degree in technology sounds like exactly what I need.