Improving Test Grades

I am trying to use castlelearning.com to help improve my test grades in class. I decided for this next unit I would give students a review assignment for the test a week in advance and spend some class time giving them a chance to start it. So, I am giving my class 30 minutes today in the library to work on the Quadratic review assignment. Hopefully this works because I only had 10 students pass the 2nd marking period, down from 19 in the first marking period.

End of the 2nd Semester

Some things working well this semester...

1.) In class I regularly use a online timer to give students structure and pacing during all lessons. This allows students to monitor their progress.
2.) The document camera in my class is great for giving students directions for using graphing calculators. Students struggle with using graphing calculator functions and this allows them to follow along to use different attributes that the calculator can offer.
3.) Castle Learning has been a helpful way for students to prepare for tests. I was able to allow students access to midterm practice by the use of a computer. I only had 12 students pass the midterm, but the students that did the practice, did better than the others.

Some things NOT working well this semester...

1.) Motivation is low, many students will not even use my website, facebook, and castlelearning.com at home or during a study hall. This hasn't improved their achievement level. I actually have less students passing this marking period, than I did last marking period.
2.) It is extremely hard to gain computer access in my school, so I haven't been able to start the e-portfolios.
3.) The constraints of the algebra curriculum drive my ability to try new and inventive projects that would take longer than a guided practice that would normally be done in class.

Overall, a lot of positives and negatives, however being able to try new things does give me a new found hope that students will find different lessons that integrate technology more interesting than the usual lessons they run into in every class each day.



P.S - The netbook fairy has NOT DROPPED a netbook under my pillow.

Castle Learning part 2

I gave students a castle learning assignment that was assigned to help students prepare for the midterm. We started the assignment in class and all students had about 45 minutes to work on the assignment, after that the rest needed to be finished at home or in the library. Students had 2 class days and the weekend to finish the assignment, and only 11 students out of 65 managed to complete it. I was not too surprised when only 12 students passed the midterm exam when it was given. So, the question is, how do I get my students to complete an online assignment out of class.


P.S. As of today, still no netbook, work station, or smartboard.

Unreliable Technology

Two days ago I had the bulb on my 2nd Projector of the year stop working. The main issue is that there are no replacement bulbs available in the building, and IT won't service it because it is an older model. So, what does that do for the teacher that uses technology constantly? Luckily, another teacher gave me a projector that they were not using. Hopefully, this one holds up until I get my Tech Grant materials.

Castle Learning

Today my students are using the computer lab in the library to go on Castle Learning. Castle Learning is a software that gives students instant feedback on Integrated Algebra questions. Most students did very well with taking their time to solve questions and get correct answers. Three students spent no time on their questions, and rushed through and ended up getting only 5 or 6 right out of thirty. However, it was good to give them instant feedback as to why they were getting them wrong. I will be going in the lab 3rd and 5th block as well.