Project Log

Thursday, May 22 (0.5 Hour)
Decided that I was going to work on applets and NCTM Illuminations.

Friday, May 23 (2 Hours)
I looked at some of the different applets for algebra on NCTM Illuminations.  I was just trying to get an idea of what they looked like, and some examples.  I am still trying to figure out how some of the applets work.  Some of them are awkward.  I looked in depth at the algebra tiles, and thought I knew how to do them, but I wasn't able to do it. Trying to figure out how the website and applets work

Thursday, May 29 (1.5 Hours)
I'm more familiar with the website now.  I figured out that there is a directions tab at the top of each applet.  I also saw that there are several teacher resources here.  There are questions to focus this activity as an exploritory activity, giving students direction.  This ensures students pursue this activity with purpose, rather than mindlessly pressing buttons.  I also like that there is a place for teachers to get lessons that relate to this applet.

Sunday, June 8 (3 Hours)
I have spent a lot of time playing with several of the different applets under the "Algebra" section.
I looked at the Algebra Tiles applet for a long time, trying to figure out what the applet was asking me to do. I couldn't figure it out, even after reading the instructions several times, which was a little frustrating (especially since I've worked with Algebra Tiles before).  I moved onto other applications to see if I had more luck with others.
I looked at an applet called "Deep Sea Duel" which was thoroughly enjoyable.  You competed with a computer to see who can add to a particular number using exactly 3 of the available numbers.  It's a great way to get students engaged, to help students' mental math, to use as a pre-algebra tool, and also as a way to apply their skill in algebra. I think this would be a great game for students who finish early, or as an extra credit problem.
I also looked at a fractal tool, which was very interesting to visually see the change in fractals.  It also allows you to make your own fractals which is a lot of fun, trying to see what configurations you can come up with.
I looked at a conic sections applet.  This was extremely interesting and useful.  It allowed you to manipulate the cone and the plane to see how this affected the graph produced.  It was a great visual to connect conics with graphs.
Function Matching was another very helpful applet.  It gave you a random function, and it was your job to determine the function type and then manipulate the constants until you matched the function.  While manipulating the constants, you really get a good idea for how the constants effect the graph.
Balance pan, which helps students to see the relationship between intersection and x/y values.  I think it was a helpful tool to get a deeper understanding of

Tuesday, June 10 (2 Hours)
Doing more research about other people who use technology in their classroom.  Seeing how they use it.  Looking at other applets.

Wednesday, June 11 (3 Hours)
Search for lesson design options and creating a lesson plan.
Making videos.
Adding things to blog.

Thursday, June 12 (1 Hour)
Modifications to blog.


Reflection:
I really liked the idea of how applets can be incorporated into a flipped style classroom.  I had only really thought about them as being used in the classroom for students to explore concepts, but they can also be great visuals that enable you to have a clear, organized view of what is going on.  It's also a tool to use to quickly explore a concept, and visually see what is going on.  Technology is so useful in the classroom!

I also found that making a blog requires a lot of pre-thought if you are designing it to be user-friendly.  Things need to be concise and to the point.  They also need to be organized in a way that is easy to navigate, or it won't be much use to people.