Brandon

__**Name • Email**__ bmyers12@students.towson.edu
 * Brandon M. Myers **

__**Bio**__ Hello Everyone! I am 20 years old and I already have a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics and I am currently pursuing a Masters in Math Education. I know what you might be saying, how the world is a 20 year old in a master’s program! I started taking classes at CCBC during my sophomore year of high school. I was able to receive my Associates of Arts in Teaching Physics at CCBC. I then was able to earn my Bachelor’s degree within 2 years from graduating high school in 2011. So August of 2013 I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Math Education. Yes, very different from my associate’s degree! This might sound strange, but I actually hated math and wanted to help kids enjoy it. I currently teach Geometry and Algebra 2 at Overlea High School. Next school year I will be teaching AVID and I am looking forward to it very much. I LOVE my job and would not trade it for anything in the world.

After I take this course, I only have 4 more courses until I am finished my Master’s degree. Does anyone have any suggestions on doctorate degrees? I was thinking instructional technology. I have only 1 more course until I receive my Admin 1 certificate. So possibly I could be an Administrator someday. My career goals involve me becoming a full-time professor ASAP!

Just because being a Math Teacher and a Grad student isn't enough, I am also the Director of Special Events at The Country Club of Maryland (CCMD) in Towson, MD. I have worked at CCMD since I was 14 years old. I have been in every position that I could possibly be in. From bus boy, to server, to assistant restaurant manager. While I enjoy working, in my spare time I enjoy hiking, camping, and visiting family in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and Naples, Florida. I cannot wait until this summer because I will be turning 21 in August and no, I am not excited just because I can drink, it is because I will be going on my first cruise ever! To the Bahamas I might add. Has anyone ever been on a cruise? I am kind of nervous! I'm not too sure what I might be getting myself into.

If you haven't been able to tell already, I am a HUGE people person. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you of the next few weeks. I wish everyone luck with their future endeavors and with achieving their career and educational goals.

__**Learning Task #1 (submitted through email)**__



__**Learning Task #2**__

Web 2.0 is a type of internet technology that is intended to make it easier to create online applications such as those with traditional PC-based software. In other words, there is more accountability for the web instead of software. Web 2.0 tools are less expensive than traditional software. There are many that are free. For most of the tools, all one needs is an up-to-date internet browser. In fact, the wikispace we are on right now is a type of web 2.0 tool. No software needs to be installed. All one would need would be the internet browser and now the instructor can communicate on a daily basis with their class. Other types of Web 2.0 tools would be any of the social media networks or blogs. There are many more!
 * What is Web 2.0?**

Today's Meet

[|Kidblog: Mr. Myers' Math Masters Page]

__**Learning Task #3**__

__**[|Triangle Congruence Glogster]**__

__**[|Triangle Congruence Prezi]**__

[|KidBlog]

__**Learning Task #4**__

=**TOP TEN MATH MANIPULATIVES ONLINE**= 1. [|Pythagorean Theorem]G-SRT.8: Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems

2. [|Algebra Tiles]A-APR.1: Understand that polynomials form a system anologous to the integers, namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication; add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.

3. [|Protractor Tool]This tools allows for students to understand how to measure angles through any type of degree. Let's just say "n" degrees. 4.MD.5b

4.[|Area + Perimeter of Rectangles]Students will be able to solve real world problems using the perimeter and area formulas of rectangles. 4.MD.3

5. [|Converting Fractions]Allows for students to determine how a fraction would be written as a decimal and vice versa. 4.NF.

6. Factor TreesStudents are able to practice finding the prime factorization of a number. This knowledge will help for later upper level mathematical concepts. Such as simplifying exponents. N.RN.2

7. Function Machine Students will be able to practice putting something in and getting something out (the definition of a function) or in other words use an input-output table. 8.F.4

8.Probability ToolStudents will be able to determine the likelihood of an event to occur. 7.SP.5

9. Algebra Tiles: Multi-Step Equations Students will be able to utilize the algebra tiles in order to help solve multi-step linear equations. 8.EE.7b

10. Graphing Piecewise FunctionsStudents will be able to visually see the pieces in a piecewise function on a graph and create their own graphs. F.IF.7b

Kidblog Page

__**Learning Task #5**__ Mr. Myers' Student Survey

Mr. Myers' Parent Survey

Kidblog Page

__**Learning Task #6**__ Text2Mind Map- Math Mr. Myers' Geometry Question Page (Padlet) Popplet: Quads

__**Learning Task #7**__

__**VIDEO #1: LONDON OLYMPICS-**__ This video would be perfect to show right before you were getting ready to solve word problems relating to the speed of people completing various Olympic events. The word problems could relate to the video to the point that the problem uses the names mentioned in the video. The video would make for a great before solving/background information engagement piece right before the solving of the word problem.

__**VIDEO #2: MEN'S 100-METER FREESTYLE-**__

You could show this video before attempting to solve a math problem relating to how fast males swim in a meter freestyle. The teacher could create word problems relating to the 100-meter freestyle and show this video prior to solving an example problem with students so that they have a visual in their head as they are solving the problem.

Prior to having students learn about mean,median, and mode the students could watch this video as an engagement piece. In each of the problems where students are to find the mean, median, and mode they would have long jump heights and students would need to be able to find the mean, median, and mode and possibly create a poster displaying the dating and the process they used in a group.
 * __VIDEO #3: THE LONG JUMP-__**

__**VIDEO #1: Graph! **__ This rap video would be really neat to show prior to teaching students slope. It also would be a great review for upper level math classes. You could even have students create their own raps later.

This amazing rap video will review or go over (depending on your students) how to solve quadratics. It covers the different methods to solve a quadratic. I have used this video in my class. I usually show part of this rap for each day that I show them a new method. Then at the end of the last method I show them the whole rap.
 * __VIDEO #2: Do The Quad Solve __**

__**VIDEO #3:** Super Base __ This video covers exponents. I usually show this rap and have my students create a foldable that will allow for the students to refer back to how to solve the different types of exponent problems and what to do. This rap parody video allows for students to understand some of the concepts and then fill in some of their foldable on their own. I usually see if they can create the labels for the foldable. Then we go over practice problems. This video a great motivational piece at the beginning of your lesson.

__**Learnzillion.com**__ [|Pythagorean Theorem] [|Graph Quadratic Equations]

__PROS:__ 1) You can select the math grade level range you are trying to locate a video for. 2) The search feature makes it easy to locate videos. 3) Objectives are listed under each video for your convenience.

__CONS:__ 1) The video is just like an actual lecture in the classroom. Very boring and not engaging. 2) Does not use real world examples 3) Some people talk faster than others and you do not know the credibility of the particular person talking.

__**Kahn Academy.com**__ __How to use a protractor __ __Radius + Diameter of a Circle __

__PROS:__ 1) The person is working out actual problems that you may come across in homework or tests. 2) You are able to post a comment/question about each video and receive an answer back if you do not understand a topic. 3) Feels more like a real-life tutor. Not fake.

__CONS:__ 1) Unsure about the credibility of the person. 2) The videos are not engaging and should include some animation or attention grabbing pieces. 3) There are little real world examples to relate to the person watching the video.

Both sites are great resources. However, the site I would choose would be Khan Academy because you are able to post comments much easier and receive an answer back to you. Not to mention other people are able to respond and you can form a class discussion almost.

__**Learning Task #8**__ __**Basic Terms in Geometry (Educreations) **__

__**Measuring Line Segments **__

__**Learning Task #9**__ __**Problem Solving: Pythagorean Theorem Rubric (Rubistar) **__

Poll Everywhere: How Many Degrees are in a Triangle?

Testmoz: Exam 1

__**Learning Task #10**__ =__**PART 1: REFLECTION ON KIDBLOG**__= __**Kidblog Page **__

=__**PART 2: MOBILE APPS PROJECT**__= 1) **Math Formulas:** The app allows you to select a math content area (Algebra, Calc, Geometry, etc.) and even a topic that relates to the math content and it will give you all the types of math forumals you would ever need in order to solve a problem. I like this app because you have all of the formulas you will ever need to know at the tip of your fingers in your phone. Not to mention the app is free. I would recommend my students getting this app so that they can't use that they do not have the paper with the formula on it as an excuse for why they did not do their assignment.

2) **Simplify Fractions (Lite), Math:** This app allows for you to play with a given fraction and complete various fun exercises to help understand what the fraction stands for. The exercises are like filling up a beaker with water or shading in a pie. I like this app because it is hands on and is engaging. I began playing the app and was addicted to shading and getting the questions right myself. I would recommend this app to any student because it gives them a basic understanding of fractions and how they are used everyday.

3) **Math Run:** This app is fantastic to review basic arithmetic skills. A lot of students are very dependent on a calculator this app can help students use their head more to solve the basic arithmetic problems in a fun video game. This app is very engaging and would recommend this app for any aged students wanting to strengthen their arithmetic skills.

4) **Math Magic:** This app combines magic balls to target request. This game is very addictive and uses your brain to help you find the proper magic balls by calculating the fact in a short period of time. You need to have good hand-eye coordination, good arithmetic skills, and good critical thinking skills. This app would be recommended by me because not only does it emphasize math, but it also emphasizes the power of the brain.

5) **The Fun Way to Learn Algebra:** This app teaches children how to solve algebraic equations using a hands-on approach. The visual and hands-on aspect of this app creates for one of the bests app to learn basic algebraic skills. Such as solving for x or solving for x in a two-sided equation. This app keeps you engaged enough to want to continue practicing on the algebra skills to get even better. I would recommend this app to anyone wanting to improve their algebraic skills in a fun way.

Mobile Apps Project PREZI

=__**PART 3: WEB 2.0 PROJECT**__=

=__**PART 4: REFLECTION**__=

How have your thoughts about technology/web 2.0 changed or have been validated through the course?
I knew that I had always wanted to use more technology in the classroom, but I was not sure what types of math related resources there were until after I took this class. I now know what types of resources there are out there and how to use those resources to help get my students more engaged and have more hands-on experiences with the content.

What did you like about the course?
I liked that we could work on our own pace and that the assignments were thought about very carefully. The assignments were things that we as teachers should look back at to get ideas for lessons. It related to me at least to what I am teaching.

What should be done differently (it's ok to be critical... I can take it)?
While I would have enjoyed this class in person more because of the class discussions, I believe that this class online was one of the better online classes I had online because it had me engaged with the different websites and wanting to learn more web 2.0 tools.

How will your experiences in the course impact your teaching next year (or in the future)?
My experiences in this course has helped me become more aware of the tools that are available to me and my students. I deffinetley plan on using google docs for the surveys I give day 1. This will allow for students to start using technology right off the bat. I also like the poll everyone app. This gives me instant feedback from my students. I am going to keep using glogster and have my students create online posters for key vocabulary words.