QR Codes

This small easy to create code can be used in so many ways in any classroom.  Just start with assessments.  These codes could be used to create a scavenger hunt in the classroom.  The answer from the problem would let you know what the next problem or station you are to go to.
Using QR codes can link students to examples of work for them to review.  Our district math department breaks down each standard and then has a QR code that can be used to show a problem that is an example of this standard.
Also, students can check their work by scanning the code following completion of their homework or quiz.  For those students that want more, the QR code could give them additional options for work, research or a review game. The options are infinite.  I could see using the QR code on my Twitter wall to take the students to the trending problem.....

Tweeting math

I was wondering howTwitter technology might help me during the year and from my favorite site, Pinterest, I found this great idea.  I thought this year if I could, I would Tweet a problem a month to start for the students to collaborate on and solve.  Then I find this great idea and think that I could incorporate this into my first thought.  What about instead of a word wall, I have a Tweet wall where everyone's id is posted, and the trending now is our problem.  This is an activity that the students could actually take charge of.  I could have them create a Tweet post weekly for their class to follow.   I also found a teacher that has created a math pen-pal idea in which her class challenges another class across the country to solve problems.  With Common Core in place, most students should be on the same page, or close so they should be working on the same materials.  I wonder if this could work?

Blendspace by TES

This site is amazing! I was looking for a new way to present my lessons and I love SMART Notebook, but not every school has this technology so after some research I found blendspace.  I have used TES resources for years but this is their new addition which allows you to build multimedia presentations in minutes.
You just find what you want, drag it to the place in the presentation and it creates an online multimedia presentation.  You can add worksheets, quizzes, videos and more.  This is so easy and the presentation is beautiful  

WebQuests

If you haven't seen this inquiry-oriented lesson format, it is well worth your time!  You are able to create or find lessons on most topics for all different ages and levels of students. 

With all the focus on project and inquiry based learning, this is a great tool! It is easy to use and can be structured any way you want it.  This activity supports the constructivist approach to learning.

There are basically six parts to each WebQuest: 

• The Introduction orients students and captures interest.
• The Task describes the activity.
• The Process explains strategies students should will use to complete the task.
• The Resources are the websites students will use to complete the task.
• The Evaluation measures the results of the activity.
• The Conclusion sums up the activity and encourages students to reflect on its process and results.

You have to start with a topic and an idea for the task and then off you go.  There are great resources to learn more at either WebQuest.org,  Concept to Classroom, and TeacherWeb.

Great ideas

Have you seen or heard of the Genius Hour? If you can work this into your week, it is amazing.

http://ajjuliani.com/tech-with-purpose/