Activity #3 - Prezi

Math Teacher Writing Variable Expressions Concept Map on Prezi

Prezi is an awesome tool to use in order to enhance critical thinking skills and techniques. While creating this, I found myself stumped and trying to prioritize my information many times. I think this was the most challenging part of this assignment. I also believe that this challenge will hold for students as well. Especially in mathematics, the understanding of mathematical steps and process is critical. If students were to have to create a Prezi about a math concept, they would need to identify and prioritize which step comes first. They will also need to understand and even be able to explain why that step was placed in the given order. Using the templates provided will help the students visualize their information and explain it better, rather than focusing on making the presentation look good. I have noticed a lot of that when students use PowerPoint. Prezi makes it easy to prioritize and also emphasize important subtopics and information.

         What I like most about Prezi is that it is engaging for students. They can also work collaboratively when separated. I think this will push the “shy” students to engage in creating the presentation because they won’t have to do it in front of their peers.  Students will be required to think independently and be able to instill their individualized thoughts into the presentation, meanwhile, working with their peers to eliminate insufficient thoughts and suggestions.

         I love that the given templates have a step-like format, one step, then the next, and so on. In my classroom, I would group students together in class so they can begin their initial planning for their Prezi. After they each have a strong idea, I would separate them to begin creating the Prezi and work collaboratively but separated. The only precaution I would need to take is the ambitious students completing the presentation at home when the homework component would not even be expected. This would take the creativity, thoughts, and input from the rest of the students in the group.

Activity #2 - SketchUp

Estrella's 3-D Classroom:

3D model by Estrella

This is an idea of an ideal classroom full of color and variety to enhance learning needs. My ideal classroom consists of magnetic chalkboard walls and walls that are completely whiteboard from ceiling to flooe. This is ensure that there is enough room to display student work, content posters, notes, and so much more. I have various colors throughout the room in hopes to create visual stimulation and interest of the students and guests. On the ceiling is a projector that is movable to each of the surrounding walls that have large SmartBoards or Promethean boards hung. The furniture is on wheels so it is easily moveable. I have rectangle high-top tables and round high-top tables for the ideal class of 16 (Haha! Must be nice!). The tables can be lowered or set higher so students have the option to sit low or even stand. It is very hard for students to sit for long periods so this allows them to move freely without creating a distraction.  The tables will also have a storage compartment where materials, supplies, and books can be stored. The students will sit or lean on swivel stools that are also adjustable by height to fit their needs. I will have a ceiling that simulates a skylight so the natural sun can enter the room. The adjacent wall by my desk will also have many windows to allow the sun to come in so we don’t have to use electricity. Instead, the saved electricity can be used for the power cords that run to the floor of the room to power each student’s computers, laptops, or iPads. I will have black-out curtains to pull when we are using the interactive boards. I hope that the light from the projectors will be enough for students to see accordingly. Oh how nice it is to dream. J

Activity #1 - Google Form

     Google forms will definitely foster critical thinking in students because of the thinking of questions required. If students were to create their own forms, it requires deep thinking to form the questions in a way that others will understand the way they are intended. It would require some kind of process. This activity takes multiple steps to complete. It requires thought, planning, conducting, and editing as needed. On top of that, a person will then need to analyze their forms results to make informed decisions on the topic. One of the most challenging parts for this activity would be to create one at a distance. In this case, students are required to ask one another questions while forming the document. This could be very challenging because clear communication is required. 
     In the mathematical classroom, Forms can be created by students in order for them to collect data. The data collected can be used to create graphs, tables, and plots. It can also be used to collect input from their peers. I appreciate that the students can create surveys to publish to the school (peers, teachers, all staff, etc.). They have the option to extend it to whomever they want. For example, they can create a form for parents and families, or even on a larger scale, for the community. Some students might want to extend it to the World Wide Web. In this case, I would warn them of the huge data set they would need to analyze. 
     Another way this could be used is specifically for teachers. A teacher can assess prior knowledge and compare it with post-knowledge learning. In my example, I created it for the teacher to use. I thought of questions that students would really need to think about in order to answer the question. I would give this as a pre-assessment before the unit. I would have the students take the same or one very similar and compare the two assessments to track student growth.