Technology In Teaching

Podcasting the Conference

lfox368806 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:44:00 GMT

I just learned how to use Audacity. Here's the result. Download the podcast, foxatetv-mp3, or just listen to it....(read more)

No School Today, Hooray, Hooray!

lfox368806 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:37:00 GMT

Which is NOT to say that I'm not working. I'm at a technology conference in Columbia, SC. It's being held at SCETV. I've learned about how to use a Promethean board's software - you can start using it, even if you don't have an interactive whiteboard....(read more)

An Interesting Technology - Dropbox

lfox368806 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:54:00 GMT

I found a site that gives you 2 GB of online storage . You can install it on all your computers, and it will sync files. It works across platforms, and may be the next killer app for the masses. Even without the multi-computer syncing, it would be worth...(read more)

The Value of "Goofing Off"

lfox368806 — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:06:00 GMT

That's what I did this weekend. I took home work to grade, but didn't do any of it. What I did do is: Shopped - not for myself, but for my husband. We went together, and got him some dress clothes (he's been in a khaki rut for some months), a VCR/DVD...(read more)

The Wonder of Light

lfox368806 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMT

Today, I've set up my class for some exploratory activities in light. I have 12 stations around the room, and the students will circulate, looking at: Polarization of light Refraction (how light can slow down in different mediums) Reflection (using mirrored...(read more)

Writing Plan

lfox368806 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:12:00 GMT

I've decided to write about handling managing lab activities, in a high-needs urban environment. My classes are the "regular" Physical Science, with the normal mix of students, including LD and other special-needs students. My students' previous experience...(read more)

Test Scores Are UP, Test Scores Are UP!!!

lfox368806 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:32:00 GMT

Happy dance!!!!! I just gave a quiz on electricity, and I had actually GOOD scores (well, at least 5 out of 20). This is a first for me this semester. This class has been passive, bored, and boring. We did 3 labs in the last week, and those that were...(read more)

Who Knew How Much Better I Could Feel With a Good Night's Sleep?

lfox368806 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:09:00 GMT

But, I do. My February blahs are just about gone, I did hands-on lab activities in my worst classes, and, although they were NOT angels, I was able to move them forward nicely, without feeling the urge to annihilate the badly-behaved. Instead, they got...(read more)

My Most Critical Teacher Need

lfox368806 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:29:00 GMT

R & R. Yeah, that's right, Rest & Relaxation. Not taking grading/planning/paperwork home with me, not running around doing errands, not cleaning house. I mean, sitting in a lounge chair with my right hand cradling a trashy novel, and my left hand wrapped...(read more)

Trying to Write a Publishable Article

lfox368806 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:55:00 GMT

I've been teaching for over 20 years, and, in that time, I've learned a lot (as we all have). I recently decided to work on writing an article for a science/teacher magazine. I'm going to post weekly about my progress (or lack of it), as a way of keeping...(read more)

Catching Up on the Internet

lfox368806 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:52:00 GMT

I'm home today. I've not been feeling up-to-par for several days, and I thought a day home might be just the thing. I was right. Although I was so fatigued last night that I didn't even go to Ash Wednesday services (which I really love), today, when I...(read more)

Being Sick Sucks!

lfox368806 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:24:00 GMT

I'm not feeling well today - not feverish, not coughing, just tired and "oocky". Because I have no confidence in getting better by tomorrow, I'm working on setting up my class for a day off: Write the sub plan, copy and attach worksheets to the plan Get...(read more)

Managing Labs in a Science Class

lfox368806 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:26:00 GMT

This is something I am passionate about - the importance of doing labs in class. I know it's a lot of prep, and it takes an unbelievable amount of oversight, but, even with - shall we say - difficult students, it's critical to their understanding of science....(read more)

Using a Mobile Broadband

lfox368806 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:47:00 GMT

Several teachers at my school, including me, have recently purchased either a mobile broadband connection, or bought a netbook. We did this for several reasons: The school network blocks many sites, including those that might be useful in education. JAVA...(read more)

Resource for Physical Science Teachers

lfox368806 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:47:00 GMT

I've been using the TeachersDomain site for a class I've been taking, and it's LOADED with resources - web pages, videos, interactive animations, etc., including some full unit lesson plans. If you join (it's free), and sign up for the group # 6553, there...(read more)