Blog #1 

Describe what communities you will join, your rationale for your selections, and how you think your involvement in these communities will support the design of your project.

Hi Everyone!

My name is Anita and I am a high school mathematics teachers. Typically, I teach Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and HSPA Preparation Course. I have been teaching for six years. As a teacher of the 21^st century learner, I feel it is my responsibilities to become familiar with the new Z-generation as well as relay the information that makes sense to them. I based my group choices on the components of the A.D.D.I.E. model-analysis, design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.

(http://www.thinkfinity.org/groups/math)

The first group that I have joined is Learning Math. Every semester I am asked “When am I ever going to use this in life?” As a mathematician I can think of numerous ways that address the necessities of mathematics, but my students are not all meant to be mathematicians. Therefore, I chose this group because it relates math to real-world concepts while addressing the analysis and evaluation aspect. Learning is based on prior knowledge plus new knowledge. Students want to know how they can relate mathematics to prior knowledge in the real world. One of the –here’s the evaluation aspect. Once student can visualize mathematics around them, I believe it will change how they look their surrounding the future.

Kicking a football is like making a parabola!

( http://www.thinkfinity.org/groups/21st-century-skills )

My second group is 21^st Century Skills. I joined this group to gain further knowledge in addressing design, development, and implementation of classroom objectives. From an overview of the group, I want to enhance my professional development in terms of addressing my 21^st century learners. Starting in September, the educational system has adapted a new teacher evaluation-Danielson Model. This new critique encourages educators to generate more student centered activities rather than teacher directed. Again, because I am a teacher of the Z-generation it’s my responsibility to create a learning environment comfortable for my students. My students spend hours on twitter, instagram, all sorts of social media. If they can access information at their fingertips, I believe they will be more self-motivated to learn. Unfortunately, I did not grow up in a technology-infused curriculum. The highest form of technology I used was a TI-89 and clickers. By learning multiple ways to integrate technology can only benefit me and my students.

Currently, I have created a classroom website. My goal is to create different resources and methods of learning for my students. For example, I am a huge fan of Khan Acamdemy. Therefore, I would like to create a flip classroom using different aspects of technology. Also, I want to supply my students with multiple resources that can assist in their learning.