Math, technology, education, and beyond

As more teachers incorporate blogs, wikis, and other Web 2.0 into the classroom, there will be situations that arise where someone will post something that probably shouldn’t be posted. These things do happen. It is important that as educators, we continue to educate both ourselves and our students about what the blog should be for. If a mistake is made and a student spouts off on something they really should keep out of the classroom, please remind that student why the blogs are being used. Be firm, be understanding, and try to make sure the student is aware of what was wrong. For the most part, blogs will be used in an appropriate manner. But when a problem arises, just like anywhere else in education, make sure that it is dealt with in a proper way. I have always felt that we need to learn from our mistakes. It is how I teach my math classes: when you make a mistake, figure out what you did wrong so you know not to make the same mistake again. This is also a great lesson for life, although sometimes there are bigger consequences. I always remind students that when they get in trouble, it’s not because we don’t like them (like many of them think), but because we want them to be able to make better decisions in the future.

I am now using classblogmeister.com in my classes. I am slowly incorporating it into my Integrated Math II and Math for Standards classes. I am looking at introducing it into my Advanced Algebra class next week. The students really like the fact that they can each give their opinions and views on concepts or things we are doing in class, and that they can have a conversation with each other through the comments. As a teacher, I like the fact that I have to approve comments and blog posts before they make it to the web. I try to allow the students to converse as they normally would in class. I’ve had to not approve a few comments here and there, but kids for the most part are completing their posts in an appropriate way.