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	<title>Mr. Higgins' Blog &#187; Tablet PC</title>
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	<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog</link>
	<description>Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher going to bat for Web 2.0.</description>
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		<title>When excitement turns into something more&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/18/when-excitement-turns-into-something-more/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/18/when-excitement-turns-into-something-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:10:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scribe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wiki]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/18/when-excitement-turns-into-something-more/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I had the privilege to be part of a meeting with a few Fujitsu representatives regarding our one-to-one tablet project at the school.&#160; Anyone that reads this blog knows how excited the the tablet PC and Web 2.0 topics makes me; therefore, I felt like a kid in a candy store.&#160; We are expanding the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/image.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="116" alt="image" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/image-thumb.png" width="230" align="left" border="0" /></a> I had the privilege to be part of a meeting with a few Fujitsu representatives regarding our one-to-one tablet project at the school.&#160; Anyone that reads this blog knows how excited the the tablet PC and Web 2.0 topics makes me; therefore, I felt like a kid in a candy store.&#160; We are expanding the project this next year to include essentially all senior level students and some junior level students in a couple Honors/AP courses.&#160; My AP Computer Science and AP Calculus AB class will both be one-to-one. <img src='http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> &#160; I have still not been able to use the full power of the one-to-one tablet solution in any of the math courses.&#160; My AP Calculus AB class this year will be my first chance.&#160; I am SOOOO EXCITED.</p>
<p>After the meeting, I started thinking about all of the Web 2.0 topics and projects that I have used in my three years of teaching.&#160; </p>
<p><strong>Here is the list I came up with of Web 2.0 interaction with the classroom:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Advanced Web Development PowerPoint, Wiki, &amp; Podcast Project – Kept Private</li>
<li><a href="http://leftygrovebaseball.org/">Lefty Grove Baseball League Website (leftygrovebaseball.org)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sites.google.com/a/mrhiggins.net/home/scribe-hall-of-fame">Scribe Hall of Fame</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mrhigginsNHS">Student Math Commercials/Videos for Honors Algebra II and Pre-Calculus on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sites.google.com/a/mrhiggins.net/home/tieproject">Mr. Higgins’ Tie Project (Students Seemed to Really Like this a lot)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sites.google.com/a/mrhiggins.net/home/techbootcamp">Tech Boot Camp 2009</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mrhiggins.net/algebra2">2007 – 2008 Honors Algebra II Class Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www2.norwalk-city.k12.oh.us/wordpressmu/apcomputer">2008 – 2009 AP Computer Science Class Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www2.norwalk-city.k12.oh.us/wordpressmu/algebra1">2008 – 2009 Algebra I Class Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www2.norwalk-city.k12.oh.us/wordpressmu/halgebra2">2008 – 2009 Honors Algebra II Class Blog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www2.norwalk-city.k12.oh.us/wordpressmu/precalc">2008 – 2009 Pre-Calculus Class Blog</a></li>
<li>I’m sure there are a few more that I can’t remember…or find a link in my collection.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/02/14/student-commercials-project-teacher-reflection/">For me, the mathematics videos were most rewarding and the students really enjoyed them a great deal.</a>&#160; However, I am looking forward to interacting with each student holding a tablet PC.&#160; Moodle is going to be a HUGE piece of this puzzle.</p>
<p><strong>Great One-to-One Article from Twitter:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/image1.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="63" alt="image" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/image-thumb1.png" width="492" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Link:</strong> <a title="http://beta.aalf.org/articles/view.php?ArticleID=79" href="http://beta.aalf.org/articles/view.php?ArticleID=79">http://beta.aalf.org/articles/view.php?ArticleID=79</a></p>
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		<title>Year End Survey Results: AP Computer Science</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/03/year-end-survey-results-ap-computer-science/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/03/year-end-survey-results-ap-computer-science/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:23:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Classroom Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/06/03/year-end-survey-results-ap-computer-science/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Actual Results for AP Computer Course Size: 9 Students Surveyed Part 1 of the Course Evaluation 1 &#8211; 5 1. The teacher was enthusiastic about teaching the course. 5 2. The teacher made students feel welcome in seeking help in/outside of class. 4.78 3. My interest in CS has increased because of this course. 4.56 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5"><u>Actual Results for AP Computer</u></font></strong></p>
<p>Course Size: 9 Students Surveyed</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="552" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487">
<p align="left"><strong>Part 1 of the Course Evaluation</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center"><strong>1 &#8211; 5</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>1.</b> The teacher was enthusiastic about teaching the course.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>2.</b> The teacher made students feel welcome in seeking help in/outside of class.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.78</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>3.</b> My interest in CS has increased because of this course.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.56</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>4.</b> Student were encouraged to ask questions and were given meaningful answers.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.89</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>5.</b> The teacher enhanced the class through the use of humor</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.33</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>6.</b> Course materials were well understood and explained clearly by the teacher.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.67</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>7.</b> Graded materials fairly represented student understanding and effort</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.78</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>8.</b> The teacher showed a genuine interest in individual students.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.89</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>9.</b> I have learned something that I consider valuable.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.56</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>10.</b> The teacher came to class well prepared on a daily basis.</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487">
<p align="left"><strong>Part 2 of the Course Evaluation</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center"><strong>1 &#8211; 5</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>1.</b> Compared with other high school courses I have taken, I would say this course was:</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.78</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>2.</b> Compared with other high school teachers I have had, I would say this teacher is:</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.67</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="487"><b>3.</b> My overall rating of this teacher is:</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
<p align="center">4.67</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Part 3 of the Course Evaluation</strong></p>
<p><b>1. </b>Course difficulty, compared to other high school courses:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="551" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="94">
<p align="center">Very Easy</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">Easy</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="110">
<p align="center">Average</p>
<p align="center">22%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
<p align="center">Difficult</p>
<p align="center">77%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
<p align="center">Very Difficult</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>2. </b>How would you rate the ease of use of the eBook?</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="551" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="94">
<p align="center">Very Easy</p>
<p align="center">22% </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">Easy</p>
<p align="center">66% </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="110">
<p align="center">Average</p>
<p align="center">11% </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
<p align="center">Difficult</p>
<p align="center">0% </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
<p align="center">Very Difficult</p>
<p align="center">0% </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>3.</b> Hours per week required outside of class:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="551" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="94">
<p align="center">0 to 2</p>
<p align="center">22%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">2 to 3</p>
<p align="center">44%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="110">
<p align="center">3 to 5</p>
<p align="center">33% </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
<p align="center">5 to 7</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
<p align="center">over 7</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>4.</b> Expected score on the AP exam:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="551" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="94">
<p align="center">1</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">2</p>
<p align="center">0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="110">
<p align="center">3</p>
<p align="center">44%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
<p align="center">4</p>
<p align="center">33%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
<p align="center">5</p>
<p align="center">22%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>Part 4: Please provide specific feedback.</b></p>
<p><b>1. </b>What was your best learning experience in this course?</p>
<ul>
<li>Making all of the programs </li>
<li>The course as a whole </li>
<li>I enjoyed learning the java language and being able to logically deal with problems </li>
<li>Programming Battleship…it was interesting, fun, and taught me a lot as I had to solve a lot of problems (2) </li>
<li>Tic-Tac-Toe program </li>
<li>Learning about the coding world behind the programs I use everyday </li>
<li>Programming the Lego Mindstorms </li>
<li>GridWorld Case Study </li>
</ul>
<p><b>2. </b>What was your worst learning experience in this course?</p>
<ul>
<li>Inheritance / Polymorphism was difficult (2) </li>
<li>The few days that I was lost&quot; </li>
<li>None </li>
<li>Audioactive Sequence </li>
<li>Mathematics on the computer </li>
<li>Having use the new tablets (Fujitsu) </li>
<li>Studying for the AP Test </li>
<li>Battleship program </li>
</ul>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>3. </b>What changes would you suggest to improve the way this course is taught?</p>
<ul>
<li>More Free Response AP Questions (2) </li>
<li>None (5) </li>
<li>More Board Work or Group Projects </li>
<li>Don’t Know </li>
</ul>
<p><b>4.</b> What advice do you have for students taking this course next year?</p>
<ul>
<li>“Work hard, do all the programs and don’t worry much about the AP Test” </li>
<li>“Try to come up with your own solutions for in class projects” </li>
<li>“Pay attention!” </li>
<li>“The course was rather challenging, so prepared to work hard.&#160; Don’t worry if your grade is not a perfect A+, for you will learn a lot” </li>
<li>“You get out what you put in.&#160; It’s not about code, it’s about using spatial reasoning to understand how objects interact” </li>
<li>“Learn the concepts early” </li>
<li>“Program neatly and easy for others to understand” </li>
<li>“Understand Arrays!” </li>
<li>“Do your best and don’t change things that work” </li>
</ul>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5"><u>My interpretation of AP Computer</u></font></strong></p>
<p>The students seemed to like the methods and pace that I kept up until the AP examination.&#160; I was expecting a couple of comments pertaining to how fast I go at the beginning of the course.&#160; I was quite surprised about the mention of more AP Test Free Response questions because I felt I used too many this year; however, they obviously felt like they were still a little weak in that area compared to the multiple choice.&#160; I hammered them on the multiple choice type questions in hopes that the AP Test would feel “easier”.&#160; </p>
<p>Inheritance and Polymorphism are difficult to figure out in your head until you receive a few good examples.&#160; I choose to teach the students about the code FIRST, and then get into Objects, Classes, and their relationships later.&#160; Perhaps I need to introduce Objects and Classes a little earlier.&#160; I am still struggling internally when it comes to the Blue Pelican Java book; however, my students like the book.&#160; There were many times that I wanted a reference book and there were many times where I wanted a text-based book.&#160; Overall, I have to be happy with the student responses.&#160; I hope the AP scores are a little higher than they predicted!</p>
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		<title>Why I Love the Technology of Classroom Lessons</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/01/24/why-i-love-the-technology-of-classroom-lessons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/01/24/why-i-love-the-technology-of-classroom-lessons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:06:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2009/01/24/why-i-love-the-technology-of-classroom-lessons/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Note: Don’t forget I am a Tablet PC teacher and use SMART Notebook just like anyone else; however, I get to walk around the room. As a teacher, I have the responsibility to show my students the the Applications and Models of Trigonometry to my Pre-Calculus students; however, I could simply use the whiteboard and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Note:</strong> Don’t forget I am a Tablet PC teacher and use SMART Notebook just like anyone else; however, I get to walk around the room.</em></p>
<p>As a teacher, I have the responsibility to show my students the the<strong> </strong>Applications and Models of Trigonometry to my Pre-Calculus students; however, I could simply use the whiteboard and some colored markers (I love the passionate purple markers).  When using presentation software such as SMART Notebook I like to use engaging images that are used to represent mathematical problems or concepts.  I have provided you with my four day long lesson which shows my progression of the material and I explain my thoughts.</p>
<p><strong>Day 1</strong></p>
<p>I want to be able to give the students an overall of what applications and models are by starting with the solving of triangles.  I wanted to have something take the attention off a simple triangle exercise therefore I added the twisted 3D triangle.  I start talking about the World’s Strong Man Competition whenever I see the Africa slide because it mimics and event in the competition where the mean carry a very heavy Africa shaped stone tablet.</p>
<div id="__ss_950313" style="width: 425px; text-align: left;"><a style="font:14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;display:block;margin:12px 0 3px 0;text-decoration:underline;" title="Applications and Models of Trigonometry - Day 1" href="http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-1-presentation?type=presentation">Applications and Models of Trigonometry &#8211; Day 1</a><object width="425" height="355" data="http://static.slideshare.net/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=day-1-1232845346809660-3&amp;rel=0&amp;stripped_title=applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-1-presentation" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://static.slideshare.net/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=day-1-1232845346809660-3&amp;rel=0&amp;stripped_title=applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-1-presentation" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<div style="font-size: 11px; font-family: tahoma,arial; height: 26px; padding-top: 2px;">View more <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> or <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/upload?type=presentation">upload</a> your own. (tags: <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://slideshare.net/tag/trig">trig</a> <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://slideshare.net/tag/math">math</a>)</div>
</div>
<p><strong>Day 2</strong></p>
<p>I start with some problems from our the Ohio Council of Teacher of Mathematics students tournament as a way of warming up for the day and reviewing geometry.  The idea of an angle of elevation and depression is not hard to imagine; however, I wanted to throw the fun image of Wile E Coyote into the mix.  I love to talk about the leaning Tower of Pisa because I get to talk about topics including Galileo, gravity, and planet movement.  In a previous section, we figured out approximately how fast we were moving along with the spinning of the earth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-2-presentation">http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-2-presentation</a></p>
<p><strong>Day 3</strong></p>
<p>This topic can be a bear for the students; therefore, I use images of our downtown area and our reservoir to put distance and the cardinal directions into perspective.  I LOVE GEOGRAPHY so I always enjoys these days.  Almost as great as the day I get to show the students that you can’t quite see Canada from Cedar Point.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-3-presentation">http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonmetry-day-3-presentation</a></p>
<p><strong>Day 4</strong></p>
<p>Anytime a teacher can use a cross curricular approach while basing most of the instruction on their own instruction, take advantage of it.  I get to talk about the history of math, science of the earth movement, and then the distance around the earth.  I have a video that goes along with the slides (I know they look a little dull; however, this is because not all of my slides could be transferred to slideshare)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonometry-day-4-presentation">http://www.slideshare.net/mrhiggins/applications-and-models-of-trigonometry-day-4-presentation</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Why my classroom setup allows me to easily use this type of approach</span></strong></p>
<ol>
<li>I have FULL ACCESS to my entire whiteboard and can still work out problems at the whiteboard or students can work them out.</li>
<li>Having the GIANT SCREEN next to the whiteboard creates about 25 feet of learning from left to right.</li>
<li>Whenever I show video, it shows up the size of the GIANT SCREEN which is an AWESOME experience.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/image4.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/image-thumb3.png" border="0" alt="image" width="479" height="454" /></a></p>
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		<title>Plan for 2008 &#8211; 2009 School Year</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/07/21/plan-for-2008-2009-school-year/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/07/21/plan-for-2008-2009-school-year/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:43:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scribe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Going into my third year of teaching, I would like to thank all of the avid blog readers for taking the time to discuss issues relating to Math, AP Computer, Education, and Web 2.0.  It is quite a motivating feeling when I know that others are reading the material and expanding on the ideas of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Going into my third year of teaching, I would like to thank all of the avid blog readers for taking the time to discuss issues relating to Math, AP Computer, Education, and Web 2.0.  It is quite a motivating feeling when I know that others are reading the material and expanding on the ideas of this teacher.  The school year is only a month away!</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;"><strong>1 to 1 Tablet PC Project</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image8.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb8.png" border="0" alt="image" width="160" height="116" align="left" /></a>I am one of the teachers who is part of the first ever 1 to 1 Tablet PC in my district.  Around 30 of our students will be carrying around a Gateway E-155 Tablet PC for an advanced educational experience.  There are specific classes in the school which were assigned to the 1 to 1 Project, and it turns out that my AP Computer Science A course is one of them.  I am so exciting for the 1 to 1 educational experience to start.  I feel like a kid again!  Here are some thoughts I have on the 1 to 1 Tablet PC Project:</p>
<ul>
<li>The ability of the students to create dynamic notes and find information quickly will be very exciting</li>
<li>The organizational skills (or lack there of) will come into play.  Having taught introductory computer courses, sometime it takes 10 minutes to make sure students save their files correctly.  Never the less, these are bright students overall.</li>
<li>Using the wireless projector and specialized monitoring software, I will be able to have the teacher project information, have the students project information, lock the machines down at anytime for any reason, monitor each students progress via a thumbnail view, and take over the students computers.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;"><strong>AP Computer Science A</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image9.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb9.png" border="0" alt="image" width="126" height="189" align="left" /></a> Going along the lines of the Tablet PC Project, I have decided to adopt Blue Pelican Java by Charles Cook for my classroom text.  Why am I using this textbook?  It is because I&#8217;m transitioning to an eBook.  My students will each have a copy of this free eBook on their tablets and will be able to browse the material at their leisure.  My students will need to make the transition of a paperfull book to a paperless book.  This is going to be tough on the teacher too; however, I am motivated enough at this point to give anything a try as I try to improve my teaching.  I chose this textbook because I really like the way it is organized section by section and it gets right to the point of the material.  My style in AP Computer Science A is to use the book as a reference.  There are many times I teach a topic completely and then we reference the textbook to pick up on some vocabulary or syntax I may have ignored.</p>
<p><strong>Do I know how well the 1 to 1 computing will go in this course?</strong></p>
<p>No.  However, I feel with my technological background and pension for Web 2.0 will be molded together to create a fun and enjoyable class at a faster pace than previous years.</p>
<p><strong>Do I know how well the transition to  exclusive eBook instruction will go?</strong></p>
<p>No. Therefore, I chose an eBook that I was confident contained the material in an organized fashion and had the best chance for success.</p>
<p><strong>Do I have confidence in the Gridworld Case Study yet?</strong></p>
<p>No.  I would really like to get some feedback from fellow bloggers and AP teachers because this is the first year I have not attended an AP Computer Science Summer Institute.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image10.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb10.png" border="0" alt="image" width="120" height="116" align="left" /></a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: small;">Web 2.0 Plans for AP Computer Science A</span></strong></p>
<p>I plan on having all presentations and long term projects integrated into our classroom blog.  Our History of Computing Project at the very beginning of the year will consist of a blog post.  I am concerned about brining java code and syntax into the Web 2.0 world because it is the student&#8217;s own though processing that creates the code; therefore, I will create opportunities throughout the year for the students to comment on issues in Computer Science on our classroom blog.  There are several experts out there that make informational posts about Computer Science, including <a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/alfredth/">Alfred Thompson</a> (My favorite and it is an easy read).  I am going to be looking for professions in the computing arena to comment on my students&#8217; posts.  Since this will be my first year of Web 2.0 integration in this class, I hope the force is strong in this class. (Don&#8217;t think too hard about that last line)</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;"><strong>Algebra I</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image11.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb11.png" border="0" alt="image" width="171" height="116" align="left" /></a> This will be my first time as a full time teacher with a course below the level of Algebra II; however, I am up for the challenge and thoroughly enjoy the topic of algebra.  Due to many reasons, include the brain development of students this age, their math has been slowly building over several years.  Once they hit high school, that is really when it starts to pick up speed and then all of the sudden they are at graduation. it goes quickly.  Here are some thoughts I have on teaching Algebra I.</p>
<ul>
<li>It is important that these develop the fundamental skill set needed to successfully navigate geometry and other all topics of algebra eventually.</li>
<li>You could agree that I have an advantage because I know exactly what the students need to know; however, I am hoping that I do not cut any corners.</li>
<li>I hope to integrate many more small video segments, logic puzzles, and intense problem solving than some of the other classes.  My job is to teach them the algebra skill set and get to a point where the concepts can be developed more in depth later.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image10.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb10.png" border="0" alt="image" width="120" height="116" align="left" /></a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: small;">Web 2.0 Plans for Algebra I</span></strong></p>
<p>I hope to integrate assignments at least twice a month on the classroom blog, I call each of these assignments a Student Focus.  I have NO IDEA if I will get a chance at a large Web 2.0 project; however, I will give it a try.  I will not use the full <a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/02/25/taking-the-leap-in-mathematics-and-web-20/">Scribe Process</a> in this class.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;"><strong>Honors Algebra II</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image12.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb12.png" border="0" alt="image" width="440" height="384" /></a></p>
<p>I have went on record several times and described this class as the &#8220;greatest class on the planet to teach for a math teacher like myself.&#8221;  Keep in mind, I have never taught AP Calculus AB/BC.  I had the time of my life teaching this class last year and really got to know all of the students on a personal level.  The reason it is the &#8220;greatest class on the planet&#8221; is because this is the point where mathematics really starts to take a giant step forward and I get to lead them into the edge of the giant forest.  I quickly earned their trust and challenged them unlike they have in their previous mathematics course history.</p>
<p>Once we began the scribe process, the learning of the course was simply AWESOME.  Visit the <a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/algebra2/">2007 &#8211; 2008 Honors Algebra II Blog</a> when you get a chance.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image10.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb10.png" border="0" alt="image" width="120" height="116" align="left" /></a>Web 2.0 Plans for Honors Algebra II</span></strong></p>
<p>I am hoping for some collaboration with <a href="http://adifference.blogspot.com/">Darren Kuropatwa</a> with my Honors Algebra II course.  I am definitely going to continue the Scribe Process in this course.  Last year, we only use it in the second half of the year; however, this year we are going to utilize it throughout the entire school year.  I will be able to assign many more web assignments than I have ever even thought about in the past.  I have a challenging class size this year of 30+ so it will be interesting what I will come up with throughout the year.  I plan to use a great deal of videos as springboards for many different topics in algebra and trigonometry.  I have so many plans for this class, it is just that I don&#8217;t have any idea what they are yet!  For my fellow educators reading this blog, you know exactly what I mean.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;"><strong>Pre-Calculus</strong></span></p>
<p>This is going to be my biggest challenge of the year because I really have a lot of Web 2.0 anticipation for this course.  I have two sections of this course, which will really lead toward problems with my scribe process; however, I am mentally working those out as you read.  I will just get to the point..</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image10.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/image-thumb10.png" border="0" alt="image" width="120" height="116" align="left" /></a>Web 2.0 Plans for Pre-Calculus</span></strong></p>
<p>Last year, being my first year teaching Pre-Calculus, I played it relatively safe throughout the year.  I wanted to make sure I knew the material and did not cheat the students out of an education because of my own Web 2.0 endeavor.  I plan to several projects throughout the year posted on the classroom blog and I will use the scribe process in this class; however, I have approximately 64 students taking this course into two different sections.  I am not sure what I am going to do about this at the time of writing this blog entry; however, having some of my Honors Algebra II students sprinkled in the audience, I have no doubt that it will be accepted by the students.  Wish luck to me and I will be out getting opinions about how to handle multiple classes through the scribe process.  Feel free to provide me some feedback of any kind.</p>
<p><strong>On a side note, I recently heard this song on the radio and instantly youtube&#8217;d it to see the video.  No matter your set of beliefs, this is a great song and video.  I just thought I would share this with the edublogosphere.</strong></p>
<div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a37c69e5-9a42-44ef-b13d-3225f6865242" class="wlWriterSmartContent" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">
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<p><label style="font-size:.8em;">NICKELBACK &#8211; IF EVERYONE CARED</label></p>
</div>
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		<title>Inkable Blogging</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/06/19/inkable-blogging/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/06/19/inkable-blogging/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:23:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scribe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Links that are Inked Above: Windows Live Writer Download Ink Blog Plugin Download]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="scid:31C7882A-CF45-4fcc-A614-7A5A52E598FF:a28e3e3e-fd17-4b6a-9ac3-ebee3e75000d" class="wlWriterSmartContent" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">
<p><img title="Ink Generated with Ink Blog Plugin - http://www.edholloway.com" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ink146250468750.png" alt="" /></p>
<p>Links that are Inked Above:</p>
<p><a href="http://get.live.com/writer/overview">Windows Live Writer Download<br />
</a></p>
<p><a href="http://gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=80ddd0aa-585c-4191-b7a5-dbfb2341d284&amp;bt=9">Ink Blog Plugin Download</a></p>
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		<title>Summer Time is Here</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/06/13/summer-time-is-here/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/06/13/summer-time-is-here/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:37:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhigginsblog.com/2008/06/13/summer-time-is-here/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The world of teaching has found me doing my different things in my spare time. Here are just a few… Taking Graduate Courses as I attempt to build up toward my MA+ levels on the pay scale Taking and helping with a training on SMART Notebook software, SMART Boards, SMART Senteos, and Tablet PC Rearranging [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image-thumb.png" alt="image" width="333" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>The world of teaching has found me doing my different things in my spare time. Here are just a few…</p>
<ul>
<li>Taking Graduate Courses as I attempt to build up toward my MA+ levels on the pay scale</li>
<li>Taking and helping with a training on SMART Notebook software, SMART Boards, SMART Senteos, and Tablet PC</li>
<li>Rearranging my office at my place. I am looking for a cheap solution for an L-shaped desk which fits in the corner of the room.</li>
<li>Serving on a committee, which is going to integrate a 1-1 tablet solution for several classes at our high school? It seems that we are the only school within about 50 miles in all directions that is even attempting a 1-1 solution.</li>
</ul>
<p>Now to the fun world of venting through the world of Web 2.0</p>
<h2><span style="color: #ff0000;">Computer Science Discussion</span></h2>
<p><strong>1-1 </strong><strong>Tablet Solution in AP Computer Science A</strong></p>
<p>I am sure that I am not the first person on the planet to teach AP Computer Science using a 1-1 tablet classroom set. Each of my students is going to have their own tablet for classroom use. I am very excited that I will have the ability to collaborate with the students and supply them notes while dynamically editing and creating programs. I can barely contain my own excitement for the next school year. In the past, I have had a classroom of 5 students in my first <a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image1.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image-thumb1.png" alt="image" width="220" height="208" align="left" /></a> year and 3 students in my second year. This next year, I have 9 students signed up for AP Computer Science. It is really a sign of the times and I hope that something exciting like this helps enrollment in the future. Eventually, the plan is that in 5 to 7 years that every student in the high school will have a tablet. Talk about a wireless nightmare!!!</p>
<p>There is NO DISCUSSION AT ALL concerning tablet PC use compared to SmartBoard use. Technology conferences are dominated by the use of the SmartBoard technology; therefore, it makes it awful difficult to find great information on tablet PCs in the classroom when everyone is obsessed with SmartBoards. The ap-compsci listserv barely ever makes any sort of mention about these technologies. The ap-calculus listserv is finally churning out some conversations about a Tablet PC; however, there is very little information at all which details a total 1-1 tablet PC classroom.</p>
<p><strong>General Comments about 1-1 Tablet Solution</strong></p>
<p>We are only allowing students enrolled in three specific AP courses to have the 1-1 tablets during the day. The committee decided that we want to be successful this first time through in hopes that all the bugs will be settled by year two as the “better and smarter” students utilize the technology. Many details will have to be worked out as the school year begins. We are requiring that parents and students attend an initial organizational meeting and a training sessions (students will have about 3 hours total in training). I am very eager, to say the least.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #ff0000;">Mathematics Discussion</span></h2>
<p><strong>Honors Algebra II Blog</strong></p>
<p>My implementation of the Honors Algebra II blog was a complete success. My  <a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image2.png"><img src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/image-thumb2.png" alt="image" width="240" height="196" align="left" /></a>students enjoyed the <a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2008/02/25/taking-the-leap-in-mathematics-and-web-20/">blogging and student focus process</a> a great deal. There are a few changes that I will make; however, I wanted to share with all of you, my students’ comments about the process. These are snippets from their comments.</p>
<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<p>Provide some constructive criticism to our scribe process. Is there anything that needs to change? What did you like? What did you not like? How difficult/easy was it to post using WordPress?</p>
<p><strong>Responses:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>“WordPress was fine, although there were browser related issues….Only needing to go on this site once every 45 days or so didn’t help build enthusiam for the site. “</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“ wish i had this for some of my other classes…text box starts so small but  you can change it so its not a big deal. I thought posting was easy”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“As long as I can remember how to log in, make a new post, comment, etc., using WordPress is relatively easy. Correctly categorizing posts would also make it easier for the reader to benefit from the information. Also, starting sooner next year would give everybody the opportunity to post multiple times…It is a handy reference.”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“Doing the posts was a really good idea….if you were absent the day before, or just needed a little refresher of the notes, they were right there handy at your computer. Number three, and probably the best reason, NO HOMEWORK :] If you were the scribe for the day you didnt have to worry about doing your homework, you just had to go home and get on the computer which 90% of us do everyday anyway”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“The only problem with the posts is when you are the scribe, it takes almost triple the time it would take to do the normal homework.”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“It is fun to create the post.  Some of the difficulties were at first it was confusing to learn how to upload pictures and graphs, but now I understand it”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“My first scribe post had a lot of graphs on it and it was easy to make them on fooplot.com”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“I think this is a good idea and wished we would have started it earlier in the year.”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>“I think that the scribe posts are a good idea, and they’re alot easier than the homework sometimes.”</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>I was happy to see that most put time into their responses.</strong></p>
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		<title>Adjustment of a Blogger</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/11/21/adjustment-of-a-blogger/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/11/21/adjustment-of-a-blogger/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:42:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Classroom Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhigginsblog.com/2007/11/21/adjustment-of-a-blogger/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For those of you who thought I was done blogging, I was for a while. I was out of inspiration and organizing my own life and thoughts in my complicated brain. I have not had a great deal of time to share my ideas and converse with the educational bloggers out there. There have been [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For those of you who thought I was done blogging, I was for a while. I was out of inspiration and organizing my own life and thoughts in my complicated brain. I have not had a great deal of time to share my ideas and converse with the educational bloggers out there. There have been so many great posts over the last three months that I have not commented; however, I have acknowledged them completely. The many ideas I have expressed on this blog have been negatively affected by my time off, much like a light bulb that has been left on; however, no one is home to enjoy the light.</p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px 0px" height="342" alt="2042980915_7c6e1d7f7d.jpg" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/2042980915_7c6e1d7f7d.jpg" width="442"></p>
<p>Here is what I have been doing lately with my classes and Web 2.0 applications&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Classroom Website</strong> &#8211; I have completely redone my classroom website to now use <a href="http://www.drupal.org">Drupal</a>. I needed a way to get students in AP Computer Science A to submit files online through an easy to use interface. Once it is completely up and running, the students will have a forum where they can discuss issues and submit files. My math classes are going to get more involved with the classroom website, no matter how much they want to simply listen to a lecture and find the correct answer.</p>
<p><strong>Teaching Adjustment</strong> &#8211; In my second year, I&#8217;m finding that I am working harder this year than I did most of last year because of my new schedule. I am now teaching four math classes and one computer class. It was very easy to get the students involved in blogging, wiki-ing, and other Web 2.0 activities when the students had computers in front of them every single day. It is going to take me a couple of years to really get the students involved in Web 2.0 in math classes, because there really is not much of a precedent. I strive to have the abilities and applications seen in <a href="http://adifference.blogspot.com/">Darren Kuropatwa</a>&#8216;s math classes. I am glad that I am a live long learner!!!</p>
<p><strong>SMART Technologies Senteo (Clickers) </strong>- For those of you who are not familiar with the <a href="http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/Senteo/">SMART Senteo system</a>, it is <img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px" alt="senteo.jpg" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/senteo.jpg" align="left">really a neat system which involves the SMART Notebook and many small &#8220;clickers&#8221; which use radio frequencies to communicate with a PC. As a teacher, I can create an interactive question or quiz in SMART Notebook where each student uses the Senteo to answer the question. Watching all of the students work hard on a single problem or quiz feels great as a teacher. Even better, I can get a full report of how each student answers the questions. There are many teachers who use this system as an alternative to scantron, which is great. However, I am looking to use the Senteo system to supplement my classroom notes.</p>
<p>One example of how I have used the Senteo is during our Chapter review. I made 10 different questions and showed the students how to use the Senteo in the matter of one minute. During the 50 minute period (which felt like 20 minutes), I was impressed with most of the students on the questions. After each question, we took a look at the pie chart of answers and then evaluated the class progress. It was a very difficult test the next day; therefore, I&#8217;m glad I was able to use an alternative strategy to reach a few more students.</p>
<p><strong>Classroom Notetaking</strong> &#8211; My classroom notes have been revolutionized through the use of my Tablet PC and SMART Notebook.&nbsp; Last year, I did not have the wireless projector and Tablet PC working as well as anticipated.&nbsp; This year I have been creating notes which have pictures and animations.&nbsp; My handwriting is not the greatest on the whiteboard, this gives me a great alternative.&nbsp; Here is a handwriting sample.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/windowslivewriteradjustmentofablogger-10814handwriting-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px 0px" height="292" alt="handwriting" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/windowslivewriteradjustmentofablogger-10814handwriting-thumb.jpg" width="404"></a> </p>
<p>I needed to put a few thoughts down in the blog.&nbsp; It is like therapy.&nbsp; How many others feel that way?</p>
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		<title>My 2007-2008 School Year Plan</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/08/16/my-2007-2008-school-year-plan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/08/16/my-2007-2008-school-year-plan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:57:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhigginsblog.com/2007/08/16/my-2007-2008-school-year-plan/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As I have in the past, I am going to involve a content management system which allows me to utilize many great tools. However, this year I am switching to Moodle despite my love for Drupal. The advancements of DrupalED are just not enough compared to the many features of a moodle. I am lucky [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As I have in the past, I am going to involve a content management system which allows me to utilize many great tools.  However, this year I am switching to <a href="http://www.moodle.org">Moodle</a> despite my love for <a href="http://www.drupal.org">Drupal</a>.  The advancements of <a href="http://www.drupaled.org/">DrupalED</a> are just not enough compared to the many features of a moodle.  I am lucky enough to be in a district where the technology coordinator installed in on the district server.  The major difference between my approach to technology is that I am now a <em>math teacher who teachers one period of computers</em>. Last year I was a <em>computer teacher who taught one period of math.</em>  I am very excited and willing to take on the challenge of utilizing web 2.0 and presentation tools in the math classroom.</p>
<p>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08462283847470560887">Darren Kuropatwa</a> for providing such great examples of Web 2.0 in the math through the <a href="http://adifference.blogspot.com/">&#8220;A Difference&#8221; blog.</a></p>
<p><strong>Technology Available:</strong> Tablet PC, Wireless Projector, Moodle, Two WordPress Blogs, Computer Lab (Used everyday in AP Computer), and TI-83/84 calculators.</p>
<p><strong>Software Used:</strong> <a href="http://jcreator.com/">JCreator LE 4.0</a>, Windows Journal, SmartBoard Notebook, TI SmartView 2.0, WordPress, Moodle, and other miscellaneous programs.</p>
<h3>AP Computer</h3>
<p>The class is basically a lab class.  I have each student always at a computer.  When notes are given, it is expected that each student participate and they know they are expected to know the material.  The fun part comes into play when the students write programs.  I am using the moodle this year to have students submit their assignments online.  This way I can avoid much of the paper trail I have heard about from other teachers that grade many programs by hand.  With the use of the Tablet PC, I can annotate/create a program directly onto the projector.  In all honesty, most of my time is spent at the whiteboard as we create and debug code.  I learned in the first year that sitting at a computer and typing it on the screen is great for monitoring the classroom, but too many are copying down code because the TEACHER is often quicker.  When I am at the board, I am behind their typing for sure, which leads them to discover the steps needed rather than me pulling them along for the ride.</p>
<h3>Algebra II</h3>
<p>This class is in the style of most traditional math classes, except I have the added ability to post assignments to the moodle and use the tablet during class.  The day-to-day notes will be a combination of whiteboard and tablet pc.  It is awesome to be able to use the tablet pc to find mathematical information on the internet.  For example, last year I used Google Earth to find the distance from <a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com">Cedar Point (&#8220;America&#8217;s Roller Coast&#8221;)</a>* to Canada.  It turns out that you have to be quite high in the air to TRULY see Canada.  I have not fully defined what type of assignments will be posted to the moodle, but I have a feeling there will be some problems of the week and/or extra credit posted.</p>
<p>*If you haven&#8217;t been to Cedar Point and are a roller coaster enthusiast, you don&#8217;t know what you are missing.</p>
<h3>Honors Algebra II &amp; Pre-Calculus</h3>
<p>These two classes are where my experimentation with Web 2.0 is really going to take place on a daily basis.  I have setup a blog for each of these classes (H-Alg II and Pre-Calc).  I am using the style of Darren Kuropatwa by having a <a href="http://adifference.blogspot.com/2005/11/scribe-post.html">scribe post the notes</a> for that class on the blog each and every night I feel enough new material was presented.  The student is expected to <a href="http://mrhiggins.net/precalc/?page_id=46">complete all steps toward a successful scribe post</a>.  I have a strong belief, as Darren has described through his blogging, that it will be apparent what the students understand and more importantly have failed to grasp.  There are many teachers around that would not attempt this; however, I am going to take the gamble and hope to benefit the students and myself by getting math off the whiteboard and onto the web.  I am not a hero for attempting this, nor are any other bloggers.  <strong>The heroes are the students who develop a web presence and affect their peers on the way to becoming a lifelong learner.</strong></p>
<p><em>On a side note, I have not received my TI SmartView 2.0 installation package as of this point, but it seems like the perfect tablet pc tool for displaying the TI-83/84 interface in front of the class.</em></p>
<h5><strong><font color="#ff8000">I hope all teachers out there have a great school year!!!  Remember why we take on the responsibility of our position.</font></strong></h5>
<p><strong>My next blog is going to detail the movie I watch to get pumped up for the school year.</strong></p>
<div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3351ea23-20e1-4f97-9bc3-5071d6820c34" contenteditable="false" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline">Technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Darren%20Kuropatwa" rel="tag">Darren Kuropatwa</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/A%20Difference" rel="tag">A Difference</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Higgy's%20Blog" rel="tag">Higgy&#8217;s Blog</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Teaching" rel="tag">Teaching</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/AP%20Computer%20Science%20A" rel="tag">AP Computer Science A</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Algebra%20II" rel="tag">Algebra II</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Pre-Calculus" rel="tag">Pre-Calculus</a></div>
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		<title>How long has it been&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/02/11/how-long-has-it-been/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2007/02/11/how-long-has-it-been/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Feb 2007 21:58:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wiki]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mrhigginsblog.com/2007/02/11/how-long-has-it-been/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8230;since I actually blogged about anything.&#160; As seen in my last blog, I have been very busy with my five preps as a first year teacher.&#160; Thank you to those who chatted or commented back on my post.&#160; It really helped me gain perspective about what CAN be done. . AP Computer Science Marine Biology [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8230;since I actually blogged about anything.&nbsp; As seen in my last blog, I have been very busy with my five preps as a first year teacher.&nbsp; Thank you to those who chatted or commented back on my post.&nbsp; It really helped me gain perspective about what CAN be done.</p>
<p><font color="#ffffff">.</font></p>
<h4><strong>AP Computer Science Marine Biology Case Study</strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once we finish the current chapter on recursion, I am going to start reviewing the <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/compsci_a/case.html?compscia">AP Computer Science Marine Biology Case Study</a>.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; This is something that separates the AP Computer test and makes it unique.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tough part about the Marine Biology Case Study is that this is the last year it will be tested.&nbsp; A new <a href="http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/courses/teachers_corner/151155.html">Gridworld Case Study</a> is going to be tested over on the 2008 AP tests.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Hmm, feels pretty much like a student; however, I am supposed to be&nbsp;a model for the students.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; <font color="#ff0000"><strong>I blog because I care about the totality of the students, not just these students.</strong></font></p>
<p><strong><font color="#ffffff">.</font></strong></p>
<h4><strong>AP Computer Science A/AB Wiki</strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There have been more than 40 different teachers, college students, and other interested parties join the <a href="http://apcomp.wikispaces.com/">AP Computer Science A/AB wiki</a>; however, I really am looking for some others to add content in the form of programming assignments, programming projects, and teaching resources.&nbsp; THIS IS NOT ABOUT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.&nbsp; I had several people contact me about keeping students out of the resource.&nbsp; WHY?&nbsp; 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.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The students have as much of a right to see this resource as the rest of us.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; In conjunction with many other blogs on the internet, I have gained a great deal of perspective about teaching computer science.&nbsp; Like many many many others, I am a mathematics teacher teaching computer science.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; <font color="#ff0000"><strong>I blog because I care about the profession and the &#8220;insanity&#8221; of other who have my same visions.</strong></font></p>
<p><font color="#ffffff">.</font></p>
<h4><strong>Ohio eTech Conference</strong></h4>
<p><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="78" src="http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/WindowsLiveWriter/Howlonghasitbeen_EEC1/image03.png" width="240" border="0"> </p>
<p>On Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13 I will be attending the <a href="http://www.etech.ohio.gov/conference/index.jsp">Ohio eTech Conference</a> in Columbus, OH.&nbsp; This conference will have probably 7,000 total people involved in the entire process.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; I hope to have some great conversations with those with the same interests as myself.&nbsp; One of the keynote speakers is <a href="http://www.weblogg-ed.com">Will Richardson</a>.&nbsp; I hope he doesn&#8217;t feel I&#8217;m stalking him, but I have already mapped how I am going to follow his different sessions around the <a href="http://www.columbusconventions.com/home_nf.asp">Columbus Convention Center</a>.&nbsp; Many of you have attended many conferences like this, but for me this is a first experience at a large conference involved in technology.</p>
<p>Here is what I hope to accomplish&#8230;.</p>
<ul>
<li>Gain perspective of my own teaching and how I can improve my use of technology and teaching methods.
<li>Gather resources involving software, especially the use of software like moodle, elgg, and drupal.
<li>Get solid information about Tablet PC and Texas Instrument calculator use in the classroom.
<li>A couple deserved days off doing something that I thoroughly enjoy&#8230;conversing about technology and education.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hopefully, the presenters, exhibitors, and keynotes have&nbsp;a positive affect and effect on me and I drive back home with a smile.&nbsp; <font color="#ff0000"><strong>I blog to do more than be noticed, I blog because others want to be noticed for their experiences also.</strong></font></p>
<p><strong><font color="#ff0000"></font></strong>&nbsp;</p>
</p>
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<p>Technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Will%20Richardson" rel="tag">Will Richardson</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Weblogg-ed" rel="tag">Weblogg-ed</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/eTech07" rel="tag">eTech07</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Higgy's%20Blog" rel="tag">Higgy&#8217;s Blog</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Computer%20Science" rel="tag">Computer Science</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Computer%20Science%20A/AB%20Wiki" rel="tag">Computer Science A/AB Wiki</a></p>
</div>
<p><font color="#ffffff">.</font></p>
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		<title>Hopes for Tablet PC Use: Math Class</title>
		<link>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2006/08/13/hopes-for-tablet-pc-use/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/2006/08/13/hopes-for-tablet-pc-use/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Aug 2006 19:03:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mr. Higgins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Math]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tablet PC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mrhiggins.net/blog/2006/08/13/hopes-for-tablet-pc-use/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am privledged to be part of a Tablet PC project in my local school district. There are so many ideas that surface in my mind when I start thinking about the possibilites for instruction. The Tablet PC is a Gateway M285-E model. There is a lot of great software installed such as OneNote, Windows [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am privledged to be part of a Tablet PC project in my local school district. There are so many ideas that surface in my mind when I start thinking about the possibilites for instruction. The Tablet PC is a Gateway M285-E model. There is a lot of great software installed such as OneNote, Windows Journal, and Equation Editor. <span style="font-style: italic">Picture is seen below.</span>
<div style="text-align: center"><img id="image9" alt="0,1425,i=141525,00.jpg" src="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/0,1425,i=141525,00.jpg"></div>
<p>One interesting part of my teaching assignment is that I am being utilized as a teacher with a computer lab classroom, but I teach mathematics for a period. So, I am going to have a group of 24 Algebra II students in a computer lab with a small whiteboard, projector, Tablet PC, and my inexperience. At first, I was trying to figure out how I could manage this situation when the only model of instruction for mathematics I have ever seen is in a &#8220;normal&#8221; classroom. I have come up with some ideas&#8230;
<ol>
<li>I can use the tablet for our basic notes of course along with the small whiteboard; however, I really want to make an effort to create colorful graphs and equations on the tablet in Windows Journal and Microsoft OneNote.<br /><a class="imagelink" title="untitled3.GIF" href="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled3.GIF"><img id="image12" alt="untitled3.GIF" src="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled3.thumbnail.GIF"> </a>
<li>I am going to use Virtual TI as my calculator emulator. This will give me a lot of freedom to walk around the classrom and have students do calcuations using my tablet. I may also incorporate Equation Writer into the process also.<br /><a class="imagelink" title="untitled.GIF" href="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled.GIF"><img id="image10" alt="untitled.GIF" src="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled.thumbnail.GIF"> </a><a class="imagelink" title="untitled2.GIF" href="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled2.GIF"><img id="image11" alt="untitled2.GIF" src="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled2.thumbnail.GIF"></a> <a class="imagelink" title="untitled2.GIF" href="http://mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/untitled2.GIF"></a>
<li>I am going to use my Drupal website I created for homework and discussion as a means utilizing the computers.
<li>Just have a great attitude and show the students that I really care. </li>
</ol>
<p>Here hoping I get a few comments; <img src='http://www.mrhiggins.net/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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