Also, when it comes to the wiki and blog, I find it very helpful for students if you model the kinds of things you want them to do. If I gave them a reading assignment and asked them to post on the wiki, I would make sure (at least at the beginning of the year) that there was some kind of model for them to follow - a “seed” post if you will that let them know the kind of language and examples I wanted from them.

Cant wait to hear more about how it goes!
~Leigh Ann

I’m kind of late to the party here. Just wanted to say how great I think it is that you’ve been exploring the use of scribes in your math classes.

If you’re interested, and planning to continue the practise next year, what would you think of us opening connecting our class blogs using Feed Windows. I’ve tried this with other teachers in the past and found that it helps students in both classes learn and produce better work; it really underscores their sense of audience.

Also, I was fascinated to read your students reflections on being scribes. It seems like it was a largely positive experience.

You’ve got my email address. Let me know if you want to pursue the Feed Window thing.

Cheers!

I really think this engages the students in a completely different manner. I really feel like the students that act as the “scribe” for that day learn more than those that complete the homework. As teachers, we know you learn more when you explain something to someone else. My previous comment addresses the internet access question. The students often “pick” on somebody who perhaps uses too much color or less color. Our spring break really slowed down the blog momentum; however, I have a project coming up fairly soon. Thanks for the comment.

My students know that they can use the school computer labs, school library, town library, or even a friends internet access connection. I really had doubts until I consulted my tech coordinator, she convinced me that enough of our students have internet access. Especially in my Honors Algebra II Blog.

I am curious about how students become a scribe when they do not have internet access (from home)? Are they exempt? Does one get penalized in any fashion? I teach at a school where many students (about 50%) are low-socioeconomic. I don’t allow this to impede technology, but I find flexibility is required.

Brilliant work with the Algebra II blog. I have recently had my Pre - Calculus students type up their notes for one section during each grading period. It produces work somewhat similar, yet without the zing of colors and images. I am very impressed. I am sure it helps you determine what your students are “hearing”…I love how some of the blog posts have “at this point Mr. Higgins discussed ” which gives them another engagement point with the lesson, even if its slightly off-topic.

How do you handle students without internet access? Most of our students have high-quality internet access, but there are always a few who don’t, especially in my English Language Learners classroom, where a blog like this would be awesome, yet almost none of them own computers at home. ( I am slightly embarrassed to say I don’t even own one)

How do other teachers take this sort of “new school” idea? One of our math teachers uses Blackboard, while most “old school” math teachers are completely against it.

Do your students enjoy/like posting and checking the blog ? Do they critique each other?

WELL DONE…this is awesome
anthony escobedo

p.s. i found this site googling “educators using Ti-Nspire blogs”…not exactly what I was looking for, but still cool