We're halfway through day 2, and I've already learned a few things:
1. Kids need shown where things are multiple times. I am thinking that yesterday was overwhelming for some of them, so I started today showing (again) where I've posted all of the links, info, materials, etc. I saw light bulbs go on.
2. I have to let go of control. I pride myself on being very flexible and go-with-the-flow, but I also want kids working on what I ask them to be working on. At this point it's up to them on what they're doing... and I have to be ok with that. It's going to take me time to adjust.
Although I still might be separating some boys.
3. ClassDojo will be very valuable for me, I think. I am using it to keep track of how well the kids are staying on track, and it's an easy click to input something for each kid (and take attendance). I haven't looked at any sort of results yet; hopefully it'll give me a nice spreadsheet of info.
4. I've made myself be OK with the idea that the screencasts I post aren't going to be perfect (just like I'm not perfect in class!). I've made 4 out of the 5 and I'm fine with me stumbling over words or having to erase because I wrote the wrong thing. If I decide to use this unit again next year (and by golly, I hope I do because of all of the time and planning I've put into it!) that may be something I can work on. If you have a few free minutes and want to check them out, here's a link to the playlist. I keep them on mute when I do playback. :)
5. My colleagues think I'm nuts when they see in my classroom talking to myself... a friend stopped in yesterday after school when I was in mid-screencast and wrote "I'm worried about you." on my board. :) Another asked me today what I was working on; she said that a friend down the hall put together a unit on transformations in the same vein. I've already emailed begging for it. Because we're all in this together, right? (Cue the High School Musical music.)
6. Putting together this unit was a lot of work. I'm hoping it's worth it. Because right now, every single kid (minus 1) is watching, working, and hopefully learning.
1. Kids need shown where things are multiple times. I am thinking that yesterday was overwhelming for some of them, so I started today showing (again) where I've posted all of the links, info, materials, etc. I saw light bulbs go on.
2. I have to let go of control. I pride myself on being very flexible and go-with-the-flow, but I also want kids working on what I ask them to be working on. At this point it's up to them on what they're doing... and I have to be ok with that. It's going to take me time to adjust.
Although I still might be separating some boys.
3. ClassDojo will be very valuable for me, I think. I am using it to keep track of how well the kids are staying on track, and it's an easy click to input something for each kid (and take attendance). I haven't looked at any sort of results yet; hopefully it'll give me a nice spreadsheet of info.
4. I've made myself be OK with the idea that the screencasts I post aren't going to be perfect (just like I'm not perfect in class!). I've made 4 out of the 5 and I'm fine with me stumbling over words or having to erase because I wrote the wrong thing. If I decide to use this unit again next year (and by golly, I hope I do because of all of the time and planning I've put into it!) that may be something I can work on. If you have a few free minutes and want to check them out, here's a link to the playlist. I keep them on mute when I do playback. :)
5. My colleagues think I'm nuts when they see in my classroom talking to myself... a friend stopped in yesterday after school when I was in mid-screencast and wrote "I'm worried about you." on my board. :) Another asked me today what I was working on; she said that a friend down the hall put together a unit on transformations in the same vein. I've already emailed begging for it. Because we're all in this together, right? (Cue the High School Musical music.)
6. Putting together this unit was a lot of work. I'm hoping it's worth it. Because right now, every single kid (minus 1) is watching, working, and hopefully learning.
Kristen, I've really enjoyed reading your blog about your blended learning! I just set-up a Dojo account to start using next semester with my students! Keep up the awesome work!
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