Mr. Higgins’ Blog

…since I actually blogged about anything.  As seen in my last blog, I have been very busy with my five preps as a first year teacher.  Thank you to those who chatted or commented back on my post.  It really helped me gain perspective about what CAN be done.

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AP Computer Science Marine Biology Case Study

    Once we finish the current chapter on recursion, I am going to start reviewing the AP Computer Science Marine Biology Case Study.  For those not familiar, the case study is essentially a large program that the students must understand for the actual AP Computer Science A/AB test.  This is something that separates the AP Computer test and makes it unique.

    The tough part about the Marine Biology Case Study is that this is the last year it will be tested.  A new Gridworld Case Study is going to be tested over on the 2008 AP tests.   My mentality is taking quite a hit because the more I invest in studying this case study, the more my other classes are going to be effected and I will never have to look at this actual case study again.  Hmm, feels pretty much like a student; however, I am supposed to be a model for the students.  I am looking for a set of resources that will allow me to get a decent depth into the case study without effecting a student in my basic Web Development class or my Algebra II class.  I blog because I care about the totality of the students, not just these students.

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AP Computer Science A/AB Wiki

     There have been more than 40 different teachers, college students, and other interested parties join the AP Computer Science A/AB wiki; however, I really am looking for some others to add content in the form of programming assignments, programming projects, and teaching resources.  THIS IS NOT ABOUT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.  I had several people contact me about keeping students out of the resource.  WHY?  My vision is that this will be a place to post programming assignments ideas for all teachers to think about, not email the person and ask for the solution.

     The students have as much of a right to see this resource as the rest of us.  The ideas expressed on the wiki could serve as a way for beginning teachers (reason I am starting this resource) to get ideas and guidance.  In conjunction with many other blogs on the internet, I have gained a great deal of perspective about teaching computer science.  Like many many many others, I am a mathematics teacher teaching computer science.  The difference with me is that it is something I do have passion for ever since I took my first programming class in high school.  I blog because I care about the profession and the “insanity” of other who have my same visions.

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Ohio eTech Conference

On Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13 I will be attending the Ohio eTech Conference in Columbus, OH.  This conference will have probably 7,000 total people involved in the entire process.  This one is on the district, which is great to say, but I am really hoping to gain some perspective from listening to others share their experiences.  I hope to have some great conversations with those with the same interests as myself.  One of the keynote speakers is Will Richardson.  I hope he doesn’t feel I’m stalking him, but I have already mapped how I am going to follow his different sessions around the Columbus Convention Center.  Many of you have attended many conferences like this, but for me this is a first experience at a large conference involved in technology.

Here is what I hope to accomplish….

• Gain perspective of my own teaching and how I can improve my use of technology and teaching methods.
• Gather resources involving software, especially the use of software like moodle, elgg, and drupal.
• Get solid information about Tablet PC and Texas Instrument calculator use in the classroom.
• A couple deserved days off doing something that I thoroughly enjoy…conversing about technology and education.

Hopefully, the presenters, exhibitors, and keynotes have a positive affect and effect on me and I drive back home with a smile.  I blog to do more than be noticed, I blog because others want to be noticed for their experiences also.

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