Tammy Andrew's Blog
Posted by Tammy Andrew
I must confess that I find WebQuests fun to make. Once you have made a couple the planning stage is easy and you almost jump into designing it from the beginning. From there it takes some knowledge of HTML or a software tool such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage, and then you have a working WebQuest.
Most students find the format engaging, and older students especially benefit from fewer structured links and more freedom to find some of the information on their own. I have also found it worth the time to have students create WebQuests as a product for a project. The structure used to create a WebQuest (Introduction, Task, Process, Evaluation, and Conclusion) is useful for students creating a project from their research, and students enjoy being able to see their work published on the web, too.
Posted by Tammy Andrew
Whenever I heard rigor I thought it meant the tough topics. Teaching computer science and math, especially discrete math, I thought I was all set. The conference I went to as well as a book I've been reading has set me straight.
Yes, my classes have rigor, but not because they are difficult subjects. I now know they are rigorous because I make students discover how things work. I give them some mental tools and send them in search of an answer. I provide a controversial topic and have them form their own opinions.
Not everything I give them is rigorous, there are some things that need to be memorized or basic facts that should be understood, but then I have them use that information to push themselves further. Many of my lessons are project based because of this.
Posted by Tammy Andrew
I attended a powerful summit on education this weekend. It was held at my alma matter and was dedicated to globalization, technology and literacy and how it impacts us as teachers in and out of the classroom.
There were many aspects that have left an impact on me and are still keeping my thoughts occupied, but one thing that was wonderful was the use of technology at the conference as a tool. Podcasts and wikis were in among the more expected PowerPoints and digital data.
There is a wiki available with access to the podcasts, discussions and a place to further the conversations started last weekend. Join in or browse, it has been made available for the benefit of all educators!
Posted by Tammy Andrew
I have always found preparing for a sub to be daunting. You do not always know in advance who it will be, and it is not uncommon for students to view it as a day off. I've found that if I over plan, keep it simple and stick to activities I already do (so students know what is expected) then it goes relatively well and I return to find students have progressed as planned.
Another trick I have discovered is, when I have scheduled a personal or professional day, to find out who will be my sub and contact him or her. That way they know what I am expecting, and students know that the two of us are communicating. This has reduced the number of misbehavior incidents in my classes to almost none.
Posted by Tammy Andrew
I returned to the classroom last week to welcome many familiar and new faces to my computer courses. I also received my latest update from the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA). For several years now I have had my students voluntarily take a research questionnaire to assist with a computer science study and receive valuable college information in return. It only takes a few minutes, and the feedback I get from students after receiving information in return has been primarily positive.
I also have seniors stopping by for recommendations for college admission. They are always a little nervous, not for asking me to write for them but because this is a big step. No matter how much preparation they receive (and here they get a lot!) it is scary to make a decision that you know will affect the rest of your life. The NRCCUA recently launched a new site, My College Options, that might make it a little easier if not less scary.
