Trials and Tribulations

I just thought I should reflect a little on my Globaloria experience so far this semester.  I would like to preface by saying that a recommended class size of 15 to 20 students is about like hitting the nail on the head.  I have 30 in my Algebra 2/Globaloria class and I think that is the root of my troubles.

I will reiterate that for content integration, Globaloria Lite needs to be developed.  I have started taking the one day a week devoted to Globaloria, and that seems to be working for the time being.  I am having trouble getting students to turn in the permission forms, which is much harder to track with 30 students.  Also, unfortunately my Teacher's Assistant has moved, so I am back to working on this venture alone.  I'll be honest, I am a little scared, but I read some of my students' first blog post and it was helpful.  They seem to be enjoying class and are hopeful to be starting work on their own games.

http://hayleighcehs2011.blogspot.com/ <-- Student Blog

I think they like what they consider down time at the end of the week.  It's still early, but I'm hopeful.

The countdown

Here we go!  Little less than a week is left in the current semester and I can't help but feel excited about my upcoming classes.  I love teaching Algebra 2, and I now have the change to integrate video game design into that class.  I do have reservations about the connection though.  I have had a few students comment that they did not really see the connection between "math class" and globaloria.  One of my major goals for the upcoming semester is to help make that connection clearer.

I do want to say that I am keeping good on at least one new years resolution, as this is my second blog this week.  I would really like to find a quick way to integrate blogging into my other classes as well.  I think it provides the students with a rare chance to express themselves.

All in all, I think I am ready.

By the way, way to go Mountaineers!!!

New Year's Resolution

Well today was a very productive day thanks to the snow, but I am getting anxious to start the next semester.  Here are a couple of my new year's resolutions.

1. Blog at least twice a week if not more.  I expect my students to do the same, so why not.

2. Be more structured in my teaching.  Have a plan and go for it.

3. Have high expectations.  With every passing year, I am finding that the higher I set my expectations, the higher level of achievement my students reach.

I am ready to start my new group of globaloria students down the path of computer programming.

That brings me to my final teaching resolution.  My main goal this semester is to make my classes more interactive and technology oriented.

It won't be an easy road, but I will stay optimistic!

Game Over

Today was a landmark day!  My students finished presenting their game demos!  I am so proud of them, and happy that they have accomplished something great.  I spoke to them today about the entire experience.  They did have mixed emotions.  I was really surprised by the number of students that said they wished we had spent more time on the math end of things.  I think that if they would have had more time to actually develop a game, they would have seen the connection more.  I am going to work hard next semester to bring a better balance to the two sides of the coin.

I am also feeling accomplished, because I feel like I just reached a landmark as well.  I have just successfully finished my first Globaloria course, and I am sad to see my students go.  A few of my students really wish that they had more time to work on their game ideas, and I would like to see a finished product.

I almost forgot!  I was going to write about my experience with the structured Powerpoint and gosoapbox.com.  The two lessons that I presented this way really seemed to have a big impact.  I am getting really excited to go full force with this teach-nology this coming semester!