MACE Conference...Ideas for Future Lessons

The beaker is full.
My brain runneth over.
This was, by far, the most amazing conference I have ever attended.

A Summary of the Conference in my own words

Technology and the Three R's
Why I chose to tie everything I learned to the three R's is a complete mystery to me.  The more I got to thinking about what I learned, the more I realized how the three R's play an important part when infusing technology into the classroom.

Relevance...by using technology, we are making what the students are learning relevant to real world application.  Students are already so tech savvy that it only makes sense to incorporate it into their learning. It was said over and over again.  Technology is simply a tool.   Like flashcards.  Like the film strips.  Like the abacus.  It is not the teacher.  The teacher is integral in making the technology enhance the learning that is taking place in the classroom.  "Technology does not make the learning great, the teacher does."  ~ Wesley Fryer.

Rigor...It enhances rigor as students are able move up Bloom's Taxonomy.  With the use of technology, students can apply their learning, analyze their findings, and create new understanding and products.  Daniel Wessel stated it best, "Those that can interact and create will succeed".

Relationships...Students work together to create products and new understanding.  They collaborate with their peers and at times with those outside the classroom walls.  Wesley Fryer said it best, "Never underestimate the power of words and relationships" as he described the importance of digital opportunities for creating shared learning experiences.

Some ideas that deserve more exploration.
~ Blogging with students:  Create a Student Wall of Fame online for students to write about indicators from the curriculum to post on the blog.  When the year is finished, an online textbook of our 8th grade curriculum will have been published.
Rigor - When a student has to write/teach a topic, their learning is increased.
Relevance - Students will see that their writings can help the learning of others.
Relationships - Students are connecting with others through the blogging experience.

~ iPads in the Math Classroom:  Used for differentiated learning.  The teacher can control the applications that are uploaded.  Students that are struggling can use this for extra practice.  Students that have mastered the concept, can use it to further their learning.  It can also be used in everyday instruction as a whole class.  (Could it be used on the Smartboard????)
Rigor - Addresses learning for where the student is at.
Relevance - A hands-on tool.  Game like formats for some of the apps.
Relationships - When working in pairs or a group of 3-4, communication between group members will be essential.

Some things to explore:  What kind of apps are out there?  Are they relevant for middle level math?  Are there apps for the four standards?  What would classroom management look like?  What wold lessons look like where differentiated tiers are built in for the iPad?