Answers+to+Chat+questions

April Chat Answers:

B. No, I haven’t ever taken part in political collaboration online.
 * 1) I followed Hooda Math blog. The author of this site focused on games. Some of the games were educational and directly tied to standards. Others were brainteasers that can keep a person busy for long time. I also followed Free Technology for Teachers blog. This site provided a variety of lessons, videos and links that teachers can incorporate into their curriculum. I was able to share many links with the teachers at West Lyon. I found WW2 links that I was able to use in my curriculum immediately.
 * 2) A. I have incorporated more collaboration time among students. I have done this in the past but this year I have done more. Our principal is very flexible and willing to let us do what works for us and with out students. So we have the freedom to try new things without being questioned. I am doing less lecturing in the classroom and allowing students to learn by reading and talking with each other. I have certainly begun to rethink my teaching style and strategy and have the confidence to try new things. In West Lyon, more and more teachers are teaching this way.
 * 3) Yes, not enough teachers have the training to implement technology in a way that would reach the Net Geners needs. Teachers are not given the time to explore and plan lessons to incorporate the technology.
 * 4) My students collaborate in all subject areas. When new math concepts are introduced, the students work together to find ways to solve their math problems. In social studies, my students research historic events and teach the class. In reading class, the students work in Literature Circles to read and discuss novels. Collaboration is so important for our students today because they are Net Geners and learn in that fashion.
 * 5) I need to work on less lecturing in the classroom. I have integrated more technology into my curriculum this year than ever before, but there are some lessons that I feel I need to teach them the skills directly and sequentially. Perhaps as I continue to work on this specialty, I will do improve on this too.
 * 6) A. I was surprised to read that the Net Geners will not buy into the “Old System” of government. They will change this system to fit their expectations. I was surprised to read that 72% of Net Geners disapproved of George W. Bush. I was very excited to read that the Net Geners fought to disprove the smears brought against Obama during his campaign. This showed they truly would support a politician if he/she meets their criteria.