Week 4

I think all of the listed material generators would be very useful in the classroom at some point; however, the  three generators that I would most likely use in my math classroom are interactive whiteboard activity software, test and rubric generators, and worksheet and puzzle generators.

The interactive whiteboard activity software is a fascinating tool that allows the teacher and students to manipulate the content much easier and without the mess of regular whiteboard markers and erasers.  The interactive whiteboard's capability to be connected to a computer opens up a plethora of opportunities for media, such as on-line interactive games, instructional videos and math tools, such as a compass and a protractor.  I would use an interactive whiteboard not only for the above mentioned ideas, but also by using the student response system and slate, so that I could more easily walk around the classroom to monitor student participation and progress.

The second type of generator that I would like to use is the test and rubric generator.  I like the flexibility and professional look of a computer generated test.  Often in the math classroom the ability level can vary greatly from class to class.  For instance, one Algebra I class may be ready for more challenging material, whereas the next Algebra I class will do well to meet the minimum requirements.  With the test generator I can spend my time more efficiently in the classroom, rather than wasting time either hand-writing the different test levels or struggling with a word processing document.  From time to time there are opportunities to do projects with the math units, so the rubric generator would be a handy tool to access.

The final type of generator that I would find useful is the worksheet and puzzle generator.  Often there is a need for reinforcement with a math skill, so a worksheet/puzzle generator would give the opportunity for a more creative avenue for review.  Geometry is a subject that tends to have numerous vocabulary and/or postulates and theorems associated with the units.  A generated puzzle would be a good practice option for the students who are learning this information.