Math Podcasts

Based on an inquiry from a colleague of mine, here's how I have structured my daily math podcasts that I post to my wikispace:

1. One student per day chooses a word from the math section of their vocabulary notebook (student self-selected words are less anxiety-provoking). Most students choose a word that has been defined via a Frayer Model during earlier class discussions.

2. The student creates a script that they will read out loud for their selected word. Script guidelines include a salutation, accurate spelling of word, student definition of word, non-examples of how word/concept is used, and how the word/cpncept is used in "real life." A short closing wraps up the script.

3. Student practices reading their script to themselves and revises for clarity/meaning.

4. Student then performs their script live for a "trained" peer who listens for accuracy in meaning, then offers just-in-time feedback for their oral performance (pacing, enunciation, etc.) .

5. Trained peer then assists student with the recording process. Both students review the recording for accuracy and can be completely redone if anything needs to be changed.

6. Recording is then reviewed by the class (peer audience = motivation) at the end of the math period for accuracy. Feedback can be either private via stickynote or by wikimail.

7. Successful podcasters then earn a leveled certificate from me that recognizes their effort for each time they are recorded.

Holiday Fun

I just updated my Delicious (social bookmarking account) account with some fun holiday electronic content that you might be interested in. I know that my students will be surprised when some of the following content appears on the wiki!

Ever sung along to Elvis on the radio? Well, here is your chance to get even closer to singing a duet with the King of Rock and Roll. Enter Sing With The King. Listen to Elvis sing the first stanza of "Blue Christmas," then record your voice singing the lyrics over the telephone, and finally sing along with Elvis for the refrain. Send the new version to your buddies via e-mail. Free.

Create your own old-school portrait without the long lines and K-Mart blue light announcements. Pho-ho-hoto Booth let's you upload an image, choose a body, then a background. Adjust the contrast to match the surroundings. Keep it for yourself or share it publicly. Free.

Want flames without the heat or smoke? Check out this computer-based fireplace. High-quality streaming holiday music included! Free.

In order to help parents with bed time on Dec. 24th, NORAD continues it's annual tradition of monitoring Santa as he makes his way around the world. Google has joined forces with the military of the United States and Canada and now we can track Santa's circuit around the world in 3D using GoogleEarth. The link is found here both for GoogleEarth and the special file (available Dec. 24). Free.

Have a great winter vacation!