Mr. Higgins’ Blog

Video Student Focus #1 for Honors Algebra II and Pre-Calculus

"If you build it, he will come" – Field of Dreams

Darren Kuropatwa may have beat me to the punch; however, he ended up providing me with a great template for a great assignment in which the students create video content in the mathematics classroom.  My students are creating 60 second commercials on a topic from the first semester of their choice.  The students are doing a great job of keeping their secrets from me and I hope they really show a great deal of creativity and keep copyright laws in mind when creating the final project.  You can see of my requirements posted on my school homepage.

In my early year of teaching, I am all about creating standards.  Think of the poll vault from track and field.  Once I get some students examples, I can show them off as if they are the standard.  In the back of my head, this is a way of taking it up a notch each year.

Against my better judgment, I am giving them some computer lab time DURING class so that I can evaluate how much time is really needed and I get to be a part of the process.  It turns out that I am going to help the students for two days of class and then I am at a conference for the next two days.  Pending a calamity day or two, I hope the plans works out in the end.

Google Apps on my Domain / Google Sites

I have installed Google Apps on my own domain (mrhiggins.net) and have enjoyed the benefits.  I now have my school website sitting at Google Sites and have a great way of combining Google Docs with my school website.  When I first started to use Google Sites, I couldn’t believe how much it works like a wiki.  It is easy to create a new page and it uses the Google Docs editor.  If you get a chance, check out my homepage at http://apps.mrhiggins.net

Algebra I and Web 2.0 Issues

First, I must confess that the time I spend on Algebra I is not equivalent to some of you out there; therefore, my issue may be partially created because of other classes are stealing my focus during the course of a school day.  I have had a hard time getting my Algebra I students (mainly freshman) to buy into the entire scribing/blogging experience.  I have to take both of my classes to the computer lab whenever it comes time for a Student Focus because many of my students are from lower income or are not mature enough to handle it on their own.  i have seen work products from students in the earlier grades using the scribing process; however, in my first year of teaching Algebra I, it seems I do not have the types of students that are receptive to new ideas.  I will continue to force the issue until the I get something to click.  I am not giving up.