Project Date

Project Description

Project Impact

MEDT Connection

Math Tutorials

 
April 2009  

 Eighth grade math students were required to create tutorials on how to solve various types of math problems using an Active Board and screen capture software.   The idea was to create a series of tutorials that students could access if they had trouble with a particular type of problem.   The problems were created based on the Eighth Grade Georgia performance standards. 

 Outcomes varied from student to student.  Students were assessed based on presentation, whether the math was correct, and how they conveyed the instructions/explanations for solving the problem.   I feel the project helped my classes review material that was learned earlier in the year, thus helping them review for the CRCT.  As with any learned material, when one is placed in the role of instructor the knowledge is more ingrained. 

 MEDT 7472
MEDT 7462
MEDT 7467

 Google Sketch Up Trebuchet Designs -Physical Science

 March 2010 - Present

 Eighth Grade physical science students are currently building small scale trebuchets. These medieval siege weapons can be used to describe many of the concepts that are discussed in Georgia's eighth grade science standards, such as:  potential energy, kinetic energy, force, mass, acceleration, simple machines, levers, distance, speed, etc. As of this writing, the project is still underway.  Prior to building their artifacts, students were required to draw the designs out on paper.  Students were also allowed to use Google Sketch Up to create their design drawings.  This part of the assignment is optional, as not all students have the required technological skills.  However, for those that had taken computer literacy as an elective the software earlier in the year, using this program was an option. 

 For those students that have opted in to using Google Sketch Up, not only will their drawings and presentations look superior, they are learning to use tools that are similar to what engineers, architects, and 3D-designers use in today's workplaces. 

 MEDT 7462

Study Island Tutorial for Teachers

April 12, 2009

 This series of video tutorials was done during the MEDT 8467 course.  The purpose of the tutorials is to allow teachers, who are new to the software, a way to get started setting up classes and assignments for students.   The videos were created with Jing which is a free screen capture program.  The videos were then placed into a website using Adobe's Dreamweaver. 

 The tutorials were made available to teachers at my school who were not familiar with the program.  The impact of the project is not easy to determine.  For most teachers who might have benefited from the videos, most preferred to get help from another person or myself.  In the future, I believe I need to create a designated place on our schools server or website to place all similar help based files and information.

 MEDT 8467

 Skype - Classroom collaborations

 November 2009 - Present

 I and a few of my fellow teachers have recently bought webcams for our classroom computers.  We have downloaded Skype and are working on ways to include this type of Internet communication into our school projects.  Our hope is to eventually allow students to collaborate with other students not only in our school but across the county.

 There are no official outcomes for this project as we are still working on the integration.  The few times we have used it in class was received in a positive light, however, students are often enthralled with a new technology.  It will depend on how it is implemented within specific projects that determine if it has lasting benefits. 

 MEDT 7472
MEDT 7462
MEDT 7467

Eastbrook's Webmaster

January 2009 - Present

I was made my school's webmaster the last school year and was very glad to take MEDT 7467. I used Dreamweaver and Fireworks to design the current version of our site, but am planning a revamp when I finish this program. 

The outcome of our school's webpage is hard to determine. I have received both positive and negative reviews concerning the site. Often, I have asked teachers for input on what they would like to find on the site, but feedback is often minimal.   Currently, I just maintain what I am told by the administration.  However, I have plans for a place to display student work and a detailed upcoming events section. 

MEDT 7467