Get it Together, People!

Facebook, Pinterest, bookmarks on Chrome, flagged emails from colleagues, and even random Word documents with cut-and-pasted links. These are just a few of the places I could have that cool math applet I use in my functions unit or the great idea for discovery learning in Geometry that I intend to integrate next semester. Usually, I am able to remember where things are, but it is radically inefficient and, frankly, embarrassing. With grad classes, school life, home life, and everything else on the list, I am thrilled that this week’s focus is on curation. Let the organization, prioritizing, efficiency, and collaboration begin!

After viewing this RSS YouTube video, I was happy to sign up for the recommended Reader through Google. Since my email and this blog are hosted by the site, I liked the idea of having everything in one place. However, this was what I saw when I went to sign up:

Luckily, Google had some suggestions. Although there were many, Feedly was at the top of the list. With the most ‘likes’ and the reality of having just started an account for this class, I was able to have everything in one place as originally desired. I didn't want to spend a ton of time exploring all of the Reader options. Rather, I felt my time was better spent exploring the countless options of educational blogs and sites that would be added to my Reader.

When asked what influences the sources I chose, I kept the idea of the Single Story in mind. Typically, I find that a lot of the really cool lesson ideas and online resources I come across through colleagues, grad courses, and other places are tailored towards English, Social Studies, Languages, and also to a younger audience. It is challenging to find math resources that can be realistically used on the high school level. The best blog (so far!) is this one by a high school math teacher. The categories are perfectly organized, offering ideas, comments from others, and even resources to purchase. And it’s all High School math!

While mathematics is my priority, I don’t want a ‘Single Story’ when it comes to ideas. Inspired by the guidelines of this post, I aimed to have math specific resources, as well as general education sources from which I could take an idea or approach and make it my own. Additionally, I did not want to subscribe to 50 blogs and be overwhelmed with the information. I chose about 8 blogs that have a variety of approaches, authors, and topics available. I chose this handful based on past experience and topics that would benefit my subject area and interests the most. Among my choices were the recommended Larry Ferlazzo and Richard Byrne blogs. I am in the process of exploring these blogs and plan on subscribing to others recommended by these authors. In addition, I was sure to add TED talks, an Algebra-specific blog, and a very cool resource discovery blog, Edudemic.

I am using an RSS to organize my teaching resources and I have no doubt it will enrich my lessons and the resources I share with my students and colleagues. The best part of subscribing to great resources is broadening my horizons from high school and math resources. In the spirit of this idea, I leave you with a history tidbit from Free Technology for Teachers to get you in the spirit of the Independence Day holiday this week. Enjoy!