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Monday, October 23, 2006

Computer Math Activities & Links

1. The Backwards Guessing Game
This is a Java applet so you can play against the computer online. The computer selects a number between 1 and 1000 and you must "guess it"; the computer will tell you if your guess is too high, too low, or correct. Space is provided to write notes, and the total number of guesses is displayed. Use The Super Guessing Game to see the computer's strategy for guessing YOUR secret number.
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/jscript/backwards.html

2. Dot2Dot
Practice counting while developing point-n-click skills with the mouse. The java applet will only draw the lines when numerical order is followed; when all the dots are connected the picture will appear in color. Several different drawings are available. <Lyndsey's Mania>
http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/java/dinodots/ham.html


3. BINO: The Computer Math Card Game
If you want to have fun AND learn the binary number system used in computers, this game is for you!! Read the instructions and look at the pages of sample hands and scoring instructions; includes links to other resources.
http://www.angelfire.com/ct/binoweb/

4. Autocrazy (aka Car Jam)
Try this RUSH HOUR-style Java Applet -- see if you can "free" the white car trapped in the gridlock. To move the cars and trucks, click once on the end of the vehicle facing the spot to which it will move.
http://www.tdb.uu.se/~karl/java/cars/


5. Three Door Puzzle
An exceptionally well-constucted interactive simulation of the Monty Hall Let's Make a Dealpuzzle. In addition to the game simulation, a creative method of solution is provided as well as a generalization to N-doors.
http://www.intergalact.com/threedoor/threedoor.html






Computer Lab, Management, & Scheduling Ideas


Room Arrangement should have…

* Easy student access
* Easy teacher access for presenting, modeling, and process writing etc.
* Away from direct sunlight, water, magnets, and chalk dust
* Easily supervised
* Provide enough space for small group interaction

Management / Scheduling

* Consider equity
* Sample methods are:
o Use 3 x 5 recipe card file with student names to identify computer users for each day. Have students cycle through to complete project. (Color coding Monday through Friday with student names many be helpful.)
o Take weekly schedule and assign open blocks to students.
* Consider the project when allowing computer time. Some projects many take more time.
* Be creative when seeking additional available computers.
* Provide opportunities for cooperative learning.
* Post computer rights and responsibilities, guidelines for help, and expected behavior near computer station.
* Display posters using computer terms and commands.
* Emphasize the importance of preplanning so that time on the computer is efficiently used.
* Create two folders, one for completed projects and one for work in progress. Have a checklist available so that, after each session, students can indicate whether project is complete or additional time is needed.
* Use peer partnership/mentors/volunteers
o Consider having students work in pairs or small groups.
o Consider computer skill and specific assignment when pairing students
o Change partnerships according to needs.
o Students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.
o Peer critiquing of computer projects is a key.
o The use of "trained experts" among class members is helpful.
o Consider the use of computer buddies to introduce new computer skills.
o Trained parent and community volunteers can provide assistance with more involved projects.

Classroom modeling

* Model computer project for the week.
* Provide a sample of the completed work for that session.
* Provide students with a step by step checklist. Have students sign and attach the checklist to completed project. Be sure to include a proofreading checklist.
* When teaching a computer skill, templates can be very valuable. When using a template, each student or team can rotate through the activity and the original will not be altered or lost. This allows for a more self-guided lesson.


Tuesday, October 17, 2006

New ASNMC Officers


On October 10, 2006, the student government of our very own NMC held their new semester elections and on October 13, 2006 we had our induction for the new officers. For those of you who are not aware of our student government, the Associated Students of the Northern Marianas College (ASNMC)has served the needs of students through various student-led activities to help answer and voice out student concerns and questions about our institution. Please be aware that if you may have any questions, comments, concerns, or criticisms that you would like addressed take advantage ASNMC. We are here to help you out and make your voice be heard. Stop by our office located in the Student Center of building 'J', call us at ext. 1251 or 1253, or email us at asnmc@nmcnet.edu. Please note that I along with Queanna Sablan are serving another term as President and Secretary, but congratulations to our new V.P.-Ronald Averion and Treasurer-Connie Cepeda. Thank you to our acting President, Danny Wyatt, our ASNMC advisor, Larry Lee, and our very own Dean of Student Services, Jeanette Villagomez for taking time out of their busy schedule to join us in the swearing in of our new officers.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Philosophy of Education



Quality education for the benefits of a brighter and better future is my driving force behind my decision to become a

teacher. Growing up in an environment where the opportunities were limited made me thrive to question what was

beyond the boundaries that were set. Unfortunately, for a long period of time, this mentality was suppressed due to the

lack of encouragement that I was eventually accustomed to. It was not until my first year of college abroad that I

realized what lay beyond a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It was a whole other world filled with

advanced technology, abundant and varying resources, and several windows of opportunity. I was, what state siders

called, culturally shocked. This new world was extremely overwhelming, but this state of shock was not necessarily an

unfortunate event because it brought attention to what was really at grasp. Now, as I go through the process of

becoming a certified and qualified educator, I feel as though I can bring that exact overwhelming state of shock that all

kids of opportunities are at the grasp of any hands, no matter the situation, let it be lack of encouragement or limited

opportunities. Through hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment I believe anyone in the teaching profession

can make a brighter future for the children of the CNMI and everywhere else.