2. True Short Story
I tell my fourth grade math students this story every year. When I was in the third grade we
had to memorize our multiplication math facts before we were allowed to go to fourth
grade. My dad was set on helping me memorizing them, so every day, every time he’d see
me, he’d spew out numbers ; I was supposed to be able to shout out the answers right
away. One night my first grade brother Rick and I were in the kitchen washing the dishes
(before dishwashers were in every home…the dinosaurs roamed the earth). Dad was
throwing out numbers right and left and I wasn’t able answer many facts. We were
working on the sevens when he said, “7x7.” I couldn’t remember the answer for anything -
I was so frustrated I just wanted to cry! I’m sure you already know what happened: that
pesky first grader hollered out 49! I looked at Dad, he looked at Rick and said, “Yea! We
have a math student in the house!”
I learned two things that night. First, my brother and I would become fierce rivals for many
years AND we don’t learn the same way!
Like all big sisters, I knew that I had to be better than Rick, so I went to my room and pulled
out those hated flash cards. I practiced until I thought of nothing but those horrid facts. I
still can’t answer you if you verbally ask me a math fact, but if I see it and can write it - I’m
speedy!
Side Note: Rick and I are best pals now; he and Dad have no recollection of the story.
5. So I was given Smartboard training…
We all sat in a first grade room, on first grade chairs and watched a teacher who just learned how to use
her Smartboard herself show us how to use them. She clicked all over the place and told us what we
could do with it. I have NO idea what she said or did but it looked cool. I was dying to get up there and
click myself but there was no time for practice, only demonstration. Two months later, I had a Smartboard
and had no clue as to what to do with it. I forgot! Luckily, I’m not afraid to play with it so I’m pretty
good with a Smartboard.
I went to the MSET convention in Baltimore where many companies demonstrated many ways to use the
Smart Technologies. They include directions for using the tools so we can go home and play on our own
with guidance. Now I can upload videos, build slide shows, include images using the Discovery Ed. Site. I
can refer to the link or template they handed out to remember how to perform these tasks.
Bottom line: I need action or step-by-step written guides to refer to in order to learn.
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=smartboard&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-
US:official&biw=1116&bih=462&tbm=isch&tbnid=PhgXvDxnGXcNtM:&imgrefurl=http://webpage.pace.edu/ms16182p/troubleshooting/smartb oard.html&docid=ZNiL2jRoY8O5qM&w=352
&h=284&ei=cbVsToflNYPAgQfulvzuBQ&zoom=1
6. Once I learn one program or
application, I am able to apply
the learning to other
programs…
I’m always surprised when
others aren’t able.
http://sudokublog.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/sudoku508b4a6b7f4c1d65a5a9a3a78e7e48a2a1.png
http://www.bat-mania.co.uk/guides/images/riddlepic.gif http://www.logostage.com/logos/firefox.png
http://www.peterpuzzle.com/activities/PuzzlesCOM/zoom_PuzzleContribution.gif http://scm-l3.technorati.com/11/04/29/32571/Google-Chrome-logo-540x360.jpg?t=20110429045022
http://www.webcrosswords.com/images/crossword_puzzle.gif http://computechgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/microsoft-office-2007.jpg
7. My husband, Paul, loves to read about kayaking, watch videos,
and see demonstrations. Then he goes out and practices the
skills. I try to read, watch and see but until I’m in the water, none
of it makes sense. If I could take my book, video or demonstrators
out on the water with me, it would work. Instead, I rely on what
Paul has learned and then let him teach me! Does this drive him
crazy? Uh…yep! Mostly because I don’t listen well!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sP2cYu0NX8
http://www.paddling.net/store/bookCovers/0-07-008499-8.jpg
http://images.clipartof.com/thumbnails/22786-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Pink-Man-Paddling-Down-A-
River-In-A-Green-Kayak.jpg
9. I love learning! Well, that is until I get frustrated.
I enjoy doing and exploring. I love the constructivism method of learning. I love
working with other people to solve problems.
The best way for me to learn a new technology is to use it. If I need to have a
webpage, I start playing around with Google Sites or Wikis. If I need to use a blog in
the classroom, I need to play around with blogs and not be afraid to post (I have a fear
of feeling stupid and I’m still not comfortable with blogs in the classroom…I’m still
playing around with them).
I had difficulty with learning Dreamweaver because I needed to be in a room with
other people using it to bounce ideas off of. The collaboration between on-line
classmates took too long. Once my classmates and I realized that we could collaborate
via IM-ing, I was more successful! Using step-by-step instructional maps helped too.
I need visuals, hands on, step-by-step directions
(in written or picture form), and learning buddies in order to learn
effectively.
10. Logical – I like to
solve the mystery.
(Don’t really like
the gore.)
More examples to explain my
learning styles…
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuOVPx66LVx4hY0DTZ7rv0x77omC47dMp01uq98GH_baWyhI52
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTaX2x7Dms-U6zCqWwqAwylaQ7EAK5peC4-XQNbicdyrus7WFEQXg
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/legos.jpg
http://www.kidsdadsmoms.com/Shopping/images/15226%20Kid-Knex%20Group%20Set%20131%20pcs.jpg
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/unbranded/p/unbranded-puzzle-sliding-numbers.jpg
