After having a discussion with my students, I was surprised to hear my students’ reactions. Prior to starting ImagineIt project, I wanted to set up a Google classroom where my students would submit their work online, along with discussions in a blog style as well as flipping the classroom. However, I was surprised to hear my students’ reactions when most of the class (more than 80% of the class were against the thought of online learning). My students like the one-on-one interaction with the teacher and being able to submit papers through paper. I initially thought that my students would be 200% up for submitting work online and watching videos to learn lessons. Most of my students stated, with exception of a few, stated that they hate and hated watching video lessons online because they don't get to ask questions to the teacher on the spot, teachers are not interactive in the lesson with the students, there is no whole group discussion during the video, and that teachers are not able to read students expressions when they are confused. In this digital age, especially with my 12/13 years-old students, I was shocked to find out that they used the word "hate" and did not prefer video lessons. They also stated they like the aspect of whole group discussion in class so posting discussions online is not preferred.
Although my students preferred whole group conversations face-to-face, I will also incorporate Google Classroom discussion for students to discuss with one another online. This is because when my students take PARCC, they will have to explain their work using computer and I want them to experience being able to explain their mathematical thinking digitally. There can be a whole group conversation reflecting on the experience and hopefully my students will learn from each other and grow in their written mathematical explanation via computer.
Since my students like to use technology (though they stated they have not used technology in math classes other than math websites), I still plan on integrating QuickFire challenges using iPad. I want to use social media (e.g. Instagram) for students to share/post their work but I will need parents' permission. If many parents are opposed to it, I will have students post on Google Classroom site.
I was afraid of accountability of my students when working with computers and the code.org program. My colleague suggested to post questions that are on code.org to Google Classroom - for example, an exit ticket, so that students are responsible for their learning as well as submitting work online. With Google Classroom feature, I would be able to grade student work online and that students would be able to view their grades.
Although my students preferred whole group conversations face-to-face, I will also incorporate Google Classroom discussion for students to discuss with one another online. This is because when my students take PARCC, they will have to explain their work using computer and I want them to experience being able to explain their mathematical thinking digitally. There can be a whole group conversation reflecting on the experience and hopefully my students will learn from each other and grow in their written mathematical explanation via computer.
Since my students like to use technology (though they stated they have not used technology in math classes other than math websites), I still plan on integrating QuickFire challenges using iPad. I want to use social media (e.g. Instagram) for students to share/post their work but I will need parents' permission. If many parents are opposed to it, I will have students post on Google Classroom site.
I was afraid of accountability of my students when working with computers and the code.org program. My colleague suggested to post questions that are on code.org to Google Classroom - for example, an exit ticket, so that students are responsible for their learning as well as submitting work online. With Google Classroom feature, I would be able to grade student work online and that students would be able to view their grades.