Reflection on Power Point: Fraction Action

What I did: I created a Powerpoint presentation to introduce fractions to my 3rd grade math students.  It is not meant to go into depth, just to launch the unit.  It can be used with Everyday Math, grade 3, and is aligned with the text.  It is meant as a "Watch, then do" presentation.  There are assignments for the students, and kid websites for further practice. I successfully obtained a Slideshow account.  That was very easy.  I embedded the powerpoint into my blog.  I hope everyone enjoys it, and feel free to use it in your classroom if it helps! 

 I intend this powerpoint to be presented by a teacher. I teach in a multicategorical special ed classroom.  These students are fairly strong in math, but don't read well.  Most pages have few words, because these students rely more on pictures.  I shortened the URLs so that that would have less to copy.  I gathered vivid Google images that would be relevant to rhem (esp. food).  I created some circle graphs in Excel.  I spent a long time on this project because I do hope to use it. I made every effort to ensure that this powerpoint would be non-hypnotic to any chickens that might view it. To that end, it is a little on the short side. The students' eyes glaze over quickly if a presentation is too long.

What I Learned:  I learned how to publish the slideshow. I got better at making a Powerpoint. Unlike most students these days, I haven't used this Microsoft program many times.  I viewed the required tutorials, which helped a lot.  I enjoyed viewing Bill Cosby and Conan O'Brien. I am convinced that a Powerpoint presentation should have as few words as necessary to convey a succinct message.  I also see the value in narrowing the focus and not trying to present too much. 

NETS-T:  This assignment was aligned with:
- Standard 2a, which requires teachers to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity."  This project allowed for a lot of creativity, while presenting a mathematical concopt that students in our school are scoring low in (on WESTEST).
-Standard 3c, which requires teachers to " communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers, using a variety of digital-age media and formats."  Sometimes a Powerpoint presentation is best, but it should NEVER be too wordy.  Actually, it should be an aid to the presentation, rather than the presentation itself.  Images should be strong and effective.

How it can be used: Introducing fractions to third grade students.

Update: Gradebook spreadsheet

On the advice of Prof Pierce, here is my original Gradebook spreadsheet.  This was his advice about publishing the Excel pages:  "upload it to g docs, publish, link to the published doc"

Spreadsheets in Excel (Gradebook)

I think I did this assignment pretty well.  I really like Excel and I use it for many purposes.  I'm always glad to learn more about it, because it is such a powerful tool.  This assignment showed me some functions that I was not familiar with.

Click to see the  Gradebook , such as it is.  I copied and pasted my data from the Excel spreadsheet onto the Google spreadsheet.  I'm not pleased with the result.  I took some time to customize my Excel sheet, and I don't like the way it looks in Google.  None of the colors or borders came through when I pasted it, so I had to re-do those.  I don't like to re-do things.  I e-mailed the original to Prof Pierce so he could see the formulas.  If anyone else wants to see my original, let me know, through comment or e-mail and I will send it to you. I did make a nice tutorial, so I could remember how I did this. Some things may not make sense unless you see the original, but let me know if you would like to view. I hope it is helpful for anyone who needs it.   .

What I did:   I started with Professor Pierce's template of grades for an imaginary class.  I created an attractive electronic gradebook, finding data such as maximum, minimum, range, average. I made good use of some excellent resources, such as Excel Help and Microsoft tutorial, "Create an Electronic Gradebook".

What I learned:  I am already quite comfortable and familiar with Excel.  I was pleased with my general proficiency in this program.  I did learn some functions and formulas that I hadn't used before: COUNTIF, MAX, MIN, IF.  I was excited to get the IF formula right so that the student grades fell into place.  I learned that I can't attach an Excel program to a Google doc, and therefore had to cut an paste onto a Google spreadsheet.

NETS-T:  This assignment aligns with;
- Standard 3c, which states that teachers will "communicate relevant  information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats."  Data obtained from this gradebook can be used to inform instruction as to how each student is progressing, as individual and within the class.
-Standard 5d, which states that teachers are to "contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community."  By using digital media, teachers are more accountable for sharing student progress with the school community.
How It Can Be Used:  I'm less likely to use this as my primary gradebook.  Our county uses Live Grades, which gives a lot of the same type of information (and is required for all teachers).  It would be good to use as my math assessment tool. Our school uses Everyday Math, which requires a significant amount of record keeping and assessing.