September 26, 2012

We discussed the use of Edmodo to store videos. Students can download videos and assignments, parents can have accounts and Edmodo gives lots of feedback on what the students are doing. Sarah said she will show us/refresh us on how to use Edmdo next week.

In the last few weeks, I have continued to use the half sheets to help direct students' as they watch the videos. They seem to be helping. Some of the students have had really good insights and comments on the video.  Also, I have continued to move at about the pace recommended by the Pearson text in-spite of the students' complaints. We continue to talk about how much time they are on task during their 90 minute class and how that impacts the amount of work they can accomplish. Also, we have discussions on how to watch and learn from the videos. Students that don't like or feel they can't learn from the videos are typically the same students that would be off task during a direct teach time. One student that    complained that she couldn't learn from the video is now doing very well since we discussed how to pause, take notes, work through the problems and actually interact with the video.

As we continue to use the videos, students are beginning to get better at watching them to make sure they understand. They are also getting better at working in class and taking responsibility for their own learning.

Plan for next week: continue the flipped class. The only change this next week will be to limit access to the laptop during class. Students with 60 + and those that are always on task in class will be allowed to have their laptops out next week. All other students will be required to keep their laptops put up.