observation 2

Class observation 2

Date: 3/6/15

Time: 1:15 math block

Site: Rousseau

Teacher: Ashley

Student: 1^st grader (differentiated)

            I did a short introduction at first and answered a few questions about China ( I got one at the end of the block when they prepared to go out for recess).

            One boy asked me to sit beside him and I did that. However, when I took out my Ipad for note taking, I found out that it was a distraction for her. So first, I put my Ipad on his table and showed him what I was typing. Then I opened the Evernote (audio note got something wrong) and audioed the lesson and occasionally took a picture. I just laid it beside him and it turned black after a while.  I hope that he will be not so much distracted in this way.

            Ashley showed me that she used ipad with reflectors and Apple TV connected. So what she did on her ipad will be on the screen, so that every kid could see what happened.

            At the very beginning, she used educreations to write each calculation on it and she gave one of the kids the Ipad to draw the answer.

            Then when the kids went to quiz, she used Ipad as a timer shown on the screen, so that the kids could keep track of time.

            She then wen to the Second Grade Math Magic and gave different kids to choose the answer on the Ipad with each question. At the same time, the other kids used their whiteboards. As this app has to pay for more exercises, she only covered a few.

            After working on the homework, they went to Geoboard. The kids were excited to do this. So Ashely made a square, then the kids were asked to make ½, ¼, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32. They would not let it stop but the time ran out.

            Reflection:

            I should have taken a picture of the seatings of the classroom but forgot.

            As for the apps, kids definitely showed interests. As for the educreations, it seemed they just feel ok. The second Grade Math Magic was a new one as it was introduced on 880 yesterday. So kids were pretty knew but it was like a quiz. I got the Ipad on my hand at that time, so the kids were looking at me. I think they would like to have fun. But the Geoboard was a hit. It was not new to them. When they heard the word, they got excited. When they began the learning, I should say that everybody raised their hands and would like to have a try on Ipad. Compared with other two apps, which only some of them raised hands, this app did make a difference. My supposition is those two apps are presented like a quiz, while this one is a game. Indeed, the knowledge passed down in the Geoboard is more advanced (fractions) than the other two (one is addition and subtraction, the other is about time). Well, if it’s a game, it should be fun and everybody would like to have fun. Learning should be fun! Right?

            One thing: the homework Ashely went over with the kids has a question (Tell which is greater without finding the answer. Explain. ½ of 60 or ¼ of 60). So Ashley took  some time and did draw and illustrated in order to explain the question. But in the Geoboard thing, it matched so well, that if she could go on saying that look at here 1/8 square does look bigger than the 1/16 squares, right? Why ? It would be such a nice scaffolding.

            Another thing I noticed was that not every child could have the chance to touch the Ipad in class though Ashley tried to reach everybody. Then if every kid had one, it would be difficult to track what they did on their Ipad. So how to manage the use of Ipad would be another challenge the classroom teachers face.

            So I suppose that the apps used today in the classroom went pretty well. It is possible due to that the kids know about them or it’s easy to use without instructions. Secondly, the last two apps, especially the Geoboard is designed pretty much like a game rather than a quiz. I love to see a classroom full of engaging faces!