Journal #3

Using Chat in the Multicultural Math Classroom by Janet Graham

This article discusses various methods of integrating chat rooms and discussion forums into a multicultural mathematical setting. It outlines how to construct effective web-based learning environments, as well as how the students and teacher stand to gain from using chat rooms and discussion forums. I was digging on this article because I want to become a cool mathematics teacher. Growing up I loved math, but by the time I had reached high school I had become turned off by math. I believe that this is because every math teacher I ever had was the biggest nerd in the school, which did not appeal to me. Math is so cut and dry, and that it needs to integrated with technology and taught in creative ways besides writing out problems on the marker board.

How can a teacher use chat rooms to encourage quiet/shy students to attempt to answer questions without being embarrassed?

I love the idea of using icons and names to differentiate the students’ cultures and characteristics, but this is also a way of identifying each other, which in turn could decrease the likely hood of 100% class participation. Instead, I would allow students to remain anonymous to each other until I have developed a community in which they feel comfortable enough to identify themselves and answer questions freely. This will allow all students to answer questions without the possibility of getting ridiculed for giving an incorrect answer,

How can a teacher use discussion forums before they teach any math?

One idea I thought of was to take the students to the computer lab the right at the beginning of the year and have them respond to different math equations and definitions. Then analyze each student’s response to gauge his or her understanding and alter chapter contact accordingly.

Journal #2

Social Networking for the K-12 Set by Jim Klein

Jim Klein presented a lot of different great ideas and insight from his experiences with social networking. He stresses creating secure communities in which students and teachers can access and share information from anywhere. He argues that this social platform is very successful in enriching education, and yet it is affordable.

How do you provide equal technological learning opportunities for students who don’t have access to a computer or the Internet at home?

I believe that integrating technology into the classroom is vital to learning this day and age, but it needs to be done in a manner that does not give one students an advantage over another. Doing little extra things for students who come from a lower socioeconomic background can help level the playing field. They need to have more exposure to computers in order to catch up to the other students whom have more experience with technology. Coming in early, staying late, and making yourself available during lunch/study hall periods are all great way to enable less fortune students to still get the same learning opportunities.


How could a teacher justify to a school board spending money to implement a district wide program for social networking?

For starters you could show them this article by Jim Klein, but I don’t believe this would be nearly enough. You would need to find some type of research showing the benefits of social networking in a public school. You would also need to get help from other teachers and students’ parents to persuade a board to grant money

Journal 1/Intro Letter

Hello everyone. I am currently breaking my blogging cherry...and it doesnt hurt one bit.
I am Christian Ludwig. I grew up in Freeport, IL which is about two hours West of Chicago and ten minutes south of the Wisconsin border. I graduated from Freeport High School in 2001 and then went on to pursue higher education at Northern Illinois University. Earning my BS in Marketing in May 2005, I accepted a job selling industrial and construction supplies in beautiful San Bernardino (which I later found out is the armpit of California). Working my way up to General Manager, I then opened stores in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. After two and one half years of enjoying the Inland Empire's industrial market and heavy smog, I needed a serious change... I quit my job, moved to a small beach house just South of the Village in Carlsbad, decided to become a teacher, and have been much happier since.

I have been a PC guy my entire life, but just recently have been more involved with Mac, and I am completely sold. My next computer purchase will be an Apple product. I use a computer daily. Checking email, reading articles, surfing the Internet, or writing papers consumes the majority of my time on the computer. I manily use a PC with Windows XP, but have been using my girlfriends' Mac Book with the new Leopard operating system as well. On a scale of 1-10 of my computer geekiness, I would give myself a 5. I would like to become more tech savvy overall and especially with Apple computers. I am excited to be working my iMac's for EDUC422.


Cal State University- College of Education Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Education Community is to collaboratively transform public education by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices. We are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice, exemplified through reflective teaching, life-long learning, innovative research, and ongoing service. Our practices demonstrate a commitment to student centered education, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance.

To be honest this statement was not a factor in coming to school here. I came to CSUSM because I heard it was a great school to earn a credential and it is close to my home. Upon getting into the college, I was very impressed with the student centered education and diversity. I believe that we as future educators need to be well educated and preparated for today's diverse and ever changing classroom. So far, I am very impressed with level of teacher involvement and commitement to the students here at Cal State San Marcos.