Learnport is going to be a great tool. It is unfortunate that more teachers do not know about all that is out there for them to use. There is not a lot that was listed in the courses that was specific for mathematics teachers, but I know where to keep checking for courses. I did find a course specific for learning ways to use technology in the math classroom. http://screencast.com/t/5BjEJOoJJG I hope to have time to go back and go through the class later. I did find a couple to ideas about pod-casts, but I have a hard time thinking a kid will learn much just by listening to me talk through a lesson.
I have been on Facebook for about a year and have enjoyed the social aspects very much. It has been a great way to reconnect with former friends and catch up on what's going on in their lives. I have "friended" former students, but I'm not confortable with the idea of being friends with current students. I think a blog is a better place for kids to connect with me as their teacher. I don't want to see all that they want to share and I know I have things I don't want to share with them on Facebook. I did just sign-up with Twitter and will continue to play around trying to find other math teachers to follow. I have one that I am following right now. It is easy to see that twitter is a more professional networking site than that of Facebook.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is an association that I joined back when I was in college. As a student, the rate was cheaper. The rate now is $78 for an on-line membership, and $105 for a full year regular membership. One of the best things that I liked about the membership was the subscription to Mathematics Teacher. I have found many useful ideas over the years in this journal. I now get to browse the journal monthly, but we share it among our department at school. There was time when I felt like I would be able to contribute as a presentor as the regional conference, but I've gotten too far behind the times. This is why I am taking this course in hopes of getting information that a "young" teacher would know from being in college and growing up in this age of technology. Right now, I am just hoping to share my newfound knowledge within my department!
I forgot to mention the MACUL organization. BIG mistake. I still have a tote bag from 1993 which was the last time I went to the MACUL confernce down at the Amway hotel. I have been out of touch for years, but by joining the on-line space, I will be more apt to keep up! I always loved going to this conference.
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