Replacement:
In my Personal Finance class, we have eliminated handwritten notes. I am currently teaching the "Career" Unit. In this unit, students have to create resumes, write a cover letter, learn interviewing skills and so on. We discuss the topics such as, "Job Comparisons", "LinkedIn profiles". Students take notes on word doc and save in their drives for Personal Finance class. The "Do Now" at the beginning of the class is also done on google classroom everyday and submitted electronically.
In the Algebra 2 classes, we are working on the standardized test completely online instead of using curriculum time from the classroom. In past, I used to give timed practice tests to students, taking away the curriculum time. Teaching all the curriculum is extremely important, as that is vital for standardized tests also. I am thinking of having them register at mel.org and take at least 2 of 4 practice tests in Math, so that they can get a sense of timed tests. As a teacher I don't have to grade, the students get the results at the end of the tests and they can email me the results.
Amplification:
In Personal Finance class, I have them watch the Dave Ramsey videos and write entries in the Journal - Google Doc (which they have already shared with me) . We also do case studies in the same way. We have used spread sheets for budgeting before and the students submit their work online.
In Algebra 2, I upload links to the videos corresponding to the lesson and students get additional explanation from these videos. We use the graphing calculator extensively in the class. In past I have used the ti-smartview software to demonstrate certain applications, but now I have a Graphing Calculator Emulator to demonstrate.
Transformation:
Algebra 2, in past for a particular concept, I had shared a powerpoint on a unit which has multiple errors in the problems. Students had to figure out the errors and modify the powerpoint and submit.
In Personal Finance, we have a lot of discussions. Students share their ideas from their experience and opinions on the subject matter. Sometimes these discussions become a little unprofessional. I have starting to have them discuss on the google classroom now. As they have to respond in writing, students are a little more cautious in saying what they have to say.
What could I do more?
I believe that now that I am aware of this model I can implement more in these classes, such as have my Personal Finance students present a group project in Prezi, or slide share. I am also thinking that I may have them create their own blog and give their own views on the topics taught in the class. I may still have to figure out a way to inform them about what the objective for this is, and set the rules or learn how to manage it. I am still discovering the uses of such tools in my class.
