Students are Flipping My Classroom

Students will be actively engaged in using iPads to learn and reinforce the math content standards such as operations with fractions, integers, one step equations, multistep equations, graphing, inequalities, and geometry. Students will work in groups of three to four from various periods. Students will be using the iPads in conducting research on a specific standard and will be using Google docs to compile findings. Google docs will enable students from different periods to leave comments, add information, and make suggestions on a regular basis. Students will then use their research to develop a script for an informational video. They will then record their video using iPad applications such as Explain Everything, or Evernote and publish it using You Tube. Lastly, students will individually present their research process and video to the class using Google presentation. As a group we will then compile our videos on our Google site and use them to learn, review and reinforce the content standards.

In addition to the standards based video productions, students will use applications throughout the school year, such as algebingo, khan academy, and Wolfram pre-algebra. A student who struggles with linear equations can watch a khan academy video and then play a algebingo for reinforcement and practice. There are endless math applications on the iPad that can help students as a class or as individuals. Much of this proposal came from collaboration with Barbara Weisbrod and Katie Williams and the use of iPads could extend beyond a math classroom.

My goal is to give students an opportunity to be 21st century learners in a math classroom. I want my students to not only know the math concepts, but also be able to perform research, and teach the standards to each other in a way that uses skills and technology of today. Students should learn how to do research on the internet, collaborate in groups, create learning videos, and how to publish all this information in a safe environment.

A rubric will be used to assess student research, use of time, group participation, resources, clarity and completeness of the standard addressed in video, and oral presentation. In general a rubric can assess the assignment completion, but the real evaluation of the project success will be in the students level of engagement and video creation.

Math classrooms are often focused direct instruction, homework time, and assessments. The use of iPads will enable students to take ownership of their topic and not only research it, but also create a learning tool that would be beneficial to their peers. The use of this technology will give students access to the 21st century skills they need to be successful in high school, college, and adult life.

The student projects will be accessible to all students, parents, teachers, and district staff through the class Google site and You Tube. Each project can serve as an introduction, reinforcement, or review of the math standards depending on the personal needs of the student.

Each year, a new set of students will create their own projects. Old projects will serve as an introduction or reinforcement of standards for current students.