My Blog Viewers

Through my graduate course this semester, we have explored various ways to find followers as we developed a blog.  I have to admit that this was a difficult experience in the beginning.  I was not very comfortable with the whole idea of putting myself out there, I reviewed, edited, rewrote, and stared at my first blog for hours before I clicked on “Publish Post”  Today, I have over 30 posts and still counting.  I hope that what I have blogged to date has provided you with some tips on how technology can be used in your own classrooms.  I appreciate your support and value your comments.  Please keep them coming.  

As I explore other avenues in my search for followers, I have provided quick links to Twitter and Facebook.  As you read and find posts that interest you, please Tweet or share it on your Facebook accounts and include a short message for others to join us.  Together, I would like to build a blog that will provide resources that are working in our classrooms.  This project has reminded me that we all have something to share and at times we just need to be reminded that we may have put it on the back burner to simmer. 

 

Other strategies I have initiated to gain followers are the use of Ping-o-Matic which will send information to other social networking services and I am now a member of Classroom 2.0 which provides great resources and opportunities for discussions. 

Please share your comments, questions, and insight with me.  Take a moment and consider providing a comment for all of us who are reading this blog.  You are a valued contributor to my blog and I look forward to reading your comments.  

Matt, thanks for a great semester. 

Fraction Factory

Fraction Factory

Cost:  Free

Developed by Radford University, Fraction Factory seeks the help of the player to place fractions correctly on a number line.  With only 60 seconds to put as many fractions on the number line, do you have what it takes to be the Chief Executive Officer for the Fraction Factory or are you just an Average Joe with more practice needed?  This game requires students to problem solve quickly while targeting fraction computation. 

The price is right, purchase this app for your students and see how hands on and interactive learning can be.

Student comments included:

B.H. – I like this game because it is sort of a tournament between your friends.  I like the gear idea and how you have to link them up.

C.G. – I liked how it showed you how accurate you are to the actual decimal.  I think it’s challenging because you try to break your last score in less time.  I like how at the end it tells you your percentage and the position you are in the factory.

J.M. – This game has to do with accuracy which I really like.  At first, I got Average Joe, but I kept going at it and now I’m Factory CEO with 24 fractions and 98% accuracy. 

L.H. – I liked this game because of the dragging part and that you could change fractions when they went off the conveyor belt.  In a future update, make harder fractions and more fractions.

C.W. – Fraction Factory challenged me by getting me to find the decimal spot of a fraction on a number line.  I really liked how it also challenged you to have better accuracy than the last time. 

B. B. – This game is addicting because there are ranks and I love playing a game that has ranks.  This is the “funest” game for iPod for math.  You get to see out of all your friends who’s Factory CEO.

K.K. – This was cool because it challenged us to get more accurate and to get exact to see the highest position possible.  With this game it is all fractions and number lines.  It could be a bit better with decimals to fractions but I still like it. 

Exploration

Today, I let my students explore the various apps that are on the iPods after our daily math lesson was completed.  With the understanding that the day’s objectives would be met with cooperation, participation, and  an assessment, my students were eager participants.  Prior to using an iPod, students had to show me their completed assignment with work shown.  Students were then given the opportunity to explore for the last 15-20 minutes of class.  They shared their favorite games with one another, worked together to solve puzzles, and competed against each other on timed games. They became teachers themselves.  All were on task and all willing to help one another.  iPods do encourage learning. 

Setting up a blog

I have viewed several blog accounts and finally settled on Blogger.  I have spent the last couple of hours setting up the layout and deciding how I want the overall page to look.  I have viewed and played with many gadgets.  The one gadget that I would like to use is the "video bar".  I have been able to link one video to the reel but when I try to link another I have no success.  Any help or support would be appreciated.