Week 11 OPEN SOURCE OR SIMULATION

Cool Math Games

When preparing for this assignment I spoke with my middle-school aged children. This year technology (especially Chromebooks) are being heavily used in their school. I wanted to learn more about their favorite apps that are being used in the classrooms.  One app in particular, Cool Math Games is often used during Math class or during downtime to reinforce the math concepts.

  The games that this app showcases include the use of strategies, numbers and various skill sets.  The educational component is cleverly disguised in these fun games and graphics that are kid friendly and approved.  The games are catchy, simple and entertaining which creates an inviting experience.

Algebra and Fractions are the forefront of our current curriculum this term.







The sections offered helpful tips and explanations to reinforce the subject matter. The explanations came equipped with their own graphics and a step by step detailed response.










After reviewing the instructions and helpful tips regarding fractions, I opted to try out the games in this category. I selected a game from the menu,  Lemonade Stand.

Lemonade Stand 

The ratio from ingredients, time, and money earned fluctuated based on what was spent and what was received. It was interesting to see how each component worked together to help the stand succeed or fail.  Weather was even factored in on the estimated amount of Lemonade that would be sold. 

Overall, the site was helpful. I found their explanations and tips regarding the subject matter to be more beneficial than the games themselves. This app relates well to the students and can be used as an additional tool in understanding concepts such as in this case, fractions. 

Journal Post #9 - Week 10

Social Media & Technology

What I learned when I interviewed an 8th grader regarding social media and technology was interesting.  Going into my interview I had an assumption that social media would be the forefront of their experience and that technology would be a high priority as a result. What I learned is that while it's a great tool and asset, there's still a slightly less dependency. While technology in their school is readily available with school issued Chromebooks, there is little technology used in school as a supplement. 

The student stated that they've found blogs to be beneficial to their overall learning experience. They've found that the information on these sites can assist them with their homework or help to better understand the subject content in which they're learning. However, blogs are an underutilized option within the classroom. Their teachers are not inclined to use sites such as blogs to reinforce the classroom curriculum. While it is used "sometimes" it is not consistent. 

In regards to social media, the student stated they're very social media aware and use numerous apps. The student enjoys seeing what is going on in the world through these apps but yet, they often find posts and/or pictures to be disturbing at times. They also stated that over-advertisements often gets in the way of the experience.  

With that said, the student did state that if more enhanced/updated technology was present in school and accompanied the use of more apps and online activities that they'd be more willing to pay attention in class and during instruction.  It's a necessity today and everyone, everywhere is using it for everyday life. It will be a skill that requires acquisition in order to maintain the pace of the world.