Krista+Mertens

= = media type="custom" key="7413113" =Krista Mertens =

I am a second year student at the University of Cincinnati. I took a year off after high school and before college to travel and do non-profit work. I went to Mamelodi, South Africa and Medellin, Colombia. My love for teaching started in Medellin where I taught conversational English.

I am double majoring in Math and Secondary Education (math). My minor is Spanish. My dream job is actually to be an interior decorator and I plan on going to the Art Institute after I graduate from UC. My first year I spent in DAAP's interior design program. Fall quarter of last year I didn't have math for the first time in my entire life and sadly I missed it. That was my "aha" moment. I don't have much technology experience. I hate computers and all the new technology because it just doesn't always click with me. I would much rather pen and paper. I know the basics... Word, a little bit of Excel, Facebook, Ipod/Iphone, PowerPoint, and Skype. I used Skype a lot when I lived in Colombia and realized how amazing technology (free technology) really can be!

I am from Cincinnati (Delhi area) and graduated from Oak Hills High School in 2008. I work at BB Riverboats (right by Newport on the Levee) as a senior deckhand and a chief steward. I have worked there for 3 years. I've been babysitting the same kids for four years and do that 2 days a week as well. I love to run and be outdoors. I also play in volleyball leagues throughout the year.

Artifacts:
[|--Lesson Plan Templates]

__--Lesson Plans__ 1. Title of Lesson Plan: Understanding Algebraic Factoring Grade Level: Differs with school districts, generally 8th-10th grades Subject: Math, Algebra, Basic factoring skills Standards, Indicators: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. [This lesson plan uses examples that can be physical and tangible examples or demonstrated on a computer.] Benchmarks: Factoring is used to form functions, graphs, and solving for a variable; all of which are tested throughout grades 8-10. Brief description of lesson plan: Uses tiles to demonstrate the bases of factoring. A good way to show examples before factoring is presented in numbers and variables to the students. Good way to show transition from Geometry to basic Algebra. http://mathforum.org/alejandre/algfac.html 2. Title of Lesson Plan: Symmetries I-IV Grade Level: High school, 9-12 Subject: Math, Geometry Brief description of lesson plan: Describing and showing shapes rotating on a fixed point, across the x-axis/y-axis/origin, and throughout graph. [] 3.Title of Lesson Plan: The Effects of Outliers Grade Level: High School, 9-12 Subject: Math, Algebra Brief description of lesson plan: Shows the effects outliers have on curves and other possible graphs. []

__--Rubric__ Graphing : When Functions Change

Ms. Mertens
 * || 10-9 points || 8-6 points || 5-3 points || 2-0 points ||
 * Accuracy of Plot || All points are plotted correctly and are easy to see. A ruler is used to neatly connect the points. Transitions are correct. || All points are plotted correctly and are easy to see.Transitions are correct. || Most points are plotted correctly and most transitions are correct. || Points are not plotted correctly or extra points were included. Transitions are not correct. ||
 * Labeling of Graph || The X/Y axis are labeled with units. X/Y coordinates are reasonable. The title is labeled. || The X/Y axis, title, and units are labeled, but could be clearer. || Missing either X/Y, title, or units. || The X/Y axis, units, and title are not labeled. ||
 * Data Table || Data in the table is well organized, accurate, and easy to read. || Data in the table is organized, accurate, and easy to read. || Data in the table is accurate and easy to read. || Data in the table is not accurate and/or cannot be read. ||
 * Organization || All four graphs are color coordinated with their data table, labels are neat and able to be read, and overall the project is organized. || Organization is present, but graphs are not in an orderly manner. || Information is there but organization is lacking. || There is no organization. ||
 * Group Work || Worked very well with group and did an equal portion of the project (part you signed up for). Also turned in group evaluation form. || Worked well with group but communication could have used improvement. Completed the task you signed up for. Turned in evaluation form. || Did not work well with group, but completed the task at hand. Turned in evaluation form. || Did not complete task assigned, did not work well with group, and did not turn in evaluation form. ||
 * TOTAL SCORE /50 ||  ||   ||   ||   ||

Game I created for a 9th grade Algebra class (Basics of solving for "x" in an equation)

[|Solving for X balance game]

TECHNOLOGY TOOL PRESENTATION: Name of Technology Tool: Animoto URL Location of Tool: www.animoto.com Is there a video or tutorial to learn how to use the tool? No Is the tool free? The first 30 seconds and very little options are free. If you want more you can pay different rates. Can I pay to upgrade for more options? Yes Would you, as a teacher, use this tool? Yes, not specifically for math but in the education system I think it would beneficial.It could be good to give examples or for students to use with projects. Who uses this tool? (Teacher, Student, Family Members, Other) This could be used by anyone, in or outside of the class. What does one use this tool for? Animoto is a video-making tool. What is the educational value of this tool? This is a very good visual tool.

[|Quadratic Equation Rap]

ISTE Standards with Reflections:
> Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. > > //a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventivenes// > //d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.// > > __Reflection__: This course taught us about many different virtual and technology tools that may make teaching and learning not only more productive and constructive, but also more fun. We found creative and different ways to go about teaching from the teaching perspective. We also could justify whether as students the different teaching methods would be worthwhile. When we went to Hughes High School we were able to witness a new way of learning involving many different types of technology. They began integrating a new program into their classrooms using technology and real life issues and experiences to teach the students. Engaging kids like this has made them much more excited to learn. They see a purpose to their education and the amount of students who decide to further their education is now much greater than before. We were presented with new technology tools in which create a virtual environment for students. This was my first time using Wikispace along with many other virtual tools such as Skype and Blog sites. Students can now not only communicate face to face in class but face to face outside of class and through different virtual communities. Our powerpoint for our lesson plan was an artifact that allowed creative and fun thinking to be incorporated with learning. > > Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.Teachers: > > //c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.// > > __Reflection:__ During this course we found many different websites that would create a different learning experience for our modern-day students. Every student learns differently so not every technique is going to always work 100% of the time. Technology has allowed us to switch things up a little bit. Not only are the products from these websites fun to learn with and fun to create, but most of them are free! As a secondary-math major I know the struggles and frustrations some kids go through while trying to learn a new concept in math. Some of these websites have different games used to make math more fun. I found some different raps/songs on Teachertube that would also benefit children when trying to remember long/difficult equations or rules. My Solving for X balance game incorporated algebra with a real life visual (weight balance) into a game that students could solve the problem.
 * 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity**
 * 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments**

> Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.Teachers: > > //b. collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.// > //c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.// > > __Reflection:__ Throughout this class we focused a great amount on technology and not only how it can be incorporated inside the class but outside the class as well. It is important for students to know and understand every concept and sometimes it is hard for a student to raise their hand in class to tell the teacher they just don't understand. Different technology tools such as Skype, Blogs, Wikispace, Grapevine, Diigo, and Facebook can be used for educational purposes. For instance if a student needs to schedule one-on-one time with a teacher or tutor to better understand subject matter and can't find time to meet face-to-face, Skype is a great way to do so. Blogs, Diigo, Grapevine, Wikispace, and Facebook can be used to set up appointments with the teacher or tutor and discussion boards can also be added. Discussion boards are great because sometimes students can help students which is sometimes the best way to learn. Learning doesn't have to start and end in the classroom, and technology allows many different opportunities. > > Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.Teachers: > > //d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools// > > __Reflection__: It is very important to give credit where credit is due, especially when technology allows you to communicate in many ways with people worldwide. We are now able to exchange communication in the form of conversation, text, pictures, videos, etc. One new form of communication I found neat and helpful throughout this class was Teachertube. I new about Youtube but Teachertube has been extremely helpful. Kids need lessons up to date with them as young adults and teenagers (for my field- secondary education). With Teachertube you can browse videos for certain subjects and lessons you, as the teacher, are trying to cover. For example I was looking for something different for math lessons and when I typed in "quadratic equation" different dances, songs, and raps popped up to help students understand and memorize the quadratic equation. One of the quadratic equation raps is posted in my artifacts. Once the video is posted, it can be viewed all over the world. I think this is great because students can also learn about different cultures. Language classes can get on Teachertube and find videos in the specified country/language. > > Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.Teachers: > > //a.participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.// > > __Reflection__: Schools and School Districts generally find value in engaging their students and teachers in certain programs that can enhance their technology education or their creative applications of technology. When new technologies are introduced the teachers need to be educated before they can use these technologies in the classroom. I feel as if that is one of the main reasons for this computer tools class. We have explored different technologies and have learned about them and came up with different ways to use them in our future classrooms. A couple learning communities I found were lesson plan websites. They are listed at the beginning of my artifacts area. On these sites teachers are able to upload lesson plans, gather ideas from others lesson plans, use others lesson plans, and hold discussions on their own lesson plans. It's great to be able to communicate with a virtual world like this so that the best learning and teaching can take place.
 * 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning**
 * 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility**
 * 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership**

Reflection of Work and Final Course Reflection:
When I began this class I assumed that we would be covering basic information and technology such as: how to do correct citations, Microsoft programs, and Smartboard technology. I was definitely surprised when in reality we didn't cover any of these things. Instead we were introduced to many different technology tools and how to apply them directly with our students (in and out of the classroom). I thought some of the neatest tools were Live Binders, Diigo, Google books, and Teachertube. It's neat that you can create things and now store them on the web instead of having to take your computer everywhere you go. Teachertube was one of my favorites because even though you can find educational videos on Youtube, Teachertube is much more purposeful and useful. I liked Diigo because I think that if students can communicate with a teacher or tutor and also other students outside of just the classroom, learning will become more prevalent and students will be able to learn better because easier resources are there.

I learned about the CECH library, which I had never been to before this class. There are great resources in the library from books and activities (NASA resource center) to the design area including computers and different machines to make creative lesson plans. I found our Hughes High School visit extremely interesting. It was neat to see one of the first high schools in our area to develop such a neat and technology based program for their kids. It was cool to see how hard the teachers worked for different grants and money to do this for their students. We were able to meet some teachers that truly love their job because they are seeing success in their students. I wasn't aware of the amount of online programs UC pays for that as students we can receive without charge. This class helped to open up my eyes to see the many different possibilities within teaching. Even though I am heading towards teaching math (which many find simple and boring) I have been introduced to some really great ideas to brighten up the subject.