Integrating Technology to Learn Math and Science

Being an educator, one of the big questions I always encounter is, how can I differentiate my lessons for the diverse range of learners in the class? For this, I am realizing that by incorporating video at times, one can reach the wide variety of learners.  Integrating visual medium in the lessons is a great way to engage students in the learning process. While searching across the internet on how to integrate or make videos for my lessons, I came across AFI Screen Education Center.   The American Film Institute Screen Education Centre helps to provide K-12 teachers the information and resources to incorporate filmmaking in their classrooms. The AFI Screen Education process is proven to help kids master core curriculum subjects, excel in 21st-century skills and to help how to learn effectively. Since five years its launch, it is providing teachers with hands-on experience in script writing, story boarding, shooting and editing, which they bring back to their students, guiding th

After working on the topic of ‘Open Content’, I feel that the educator in me is now on a journey of new kind! The words of David Wiley make me think over and over again about the concept of being open in education, “Openness is the sole means by which education is affected. If a teacher is not sharing what he or she knows, there is no education happening. In fact, those educators who share the most thoroughly of themselves with the greatest proportion of their students are the ones we deem successful.” No doubt that sharing knowledge not only helps in building it but also broadens one's horizon of knowledge. Following this philosophy, I have come up with my own initial agenda on how I can contribute to the community of dedicated teachers, students and thousands of volunteers, involved in this cause. Below is the list of few websites for finding open content materials specifically for high school science and mathematics where students can find unlimited information on many topic

                                                              Not anymore kiddie, I tweeted it!       Kids love working on the cellphones, iPads or computers. So why not use them for their studies. Many teachers worldwide are using various forms of technology in their lesson plans. And Twitter is one of them and that does not need any introduction. A great deal of information is available for educators on how to maximize its use. It is a great tool to announce homework, due dates, and providing links to useful resources, books or videos. I am really interested in knowing how a Science teacher can incorporate it in his or her lessons, so I have come up with a list of few ideas: Remind about bringing your/their favorite science textbook to the class on a specific day Post latest research and ask their views on current topics(e.g., on LHC, Global Warming    or Environmental issues) Announce the tidbits of the project students are working on Ask what topic did they like on an

Let us talk Math! I remember many years back when I was a student; there was very less emphasis on discussion in the class during the session. Best students would be those who were sitting silently and seems to be working seriously! There is no doubt in the fact that there are different learning styles. However, in changing times, there is more focus on activity-based courses where children learn to become confident problem solvers by engaging in meaningful talks and that could be in pairs, small groups or in whole groups. The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards emphasizes the need for students to discuss their mathematical thinking as a way to increase understanding. There are many ways to engage students in purposeful math talk. Asking questions is one of the important ways by which they learn to reason mathematically. Some of the significant questions that could motivate and engage students to get involved in meaningful ‘Math Talk’ are; What do you th