Learning+Task+7

Our world is overrun with video. My kids spend more time on Instagram and Youtube than they do with the TV... and I have 500+ channels with no parental block (laziness). Our daughter has been creating videos on her iPod with friends since she was in second grade. Interestingly, I never showed her how to do it. So in the next few learning tasks we're going to look at how we can leverage video in our mathematics class.

The first idea is to use videos as a launching point for a rich task. In other words, using video to create interest and passion for content. Later, we'll explore tools for creating video on laptops and tablets later.

But first, let's watch a brief Ted Talk from Dan Meyer. Maybe you've seen it. It's always great to watch. Dan Meyer • Ted Talk

In this learning task, you will explore the meaning of a rich task in mathematics. So what is a rich task? Do they have to be complicated? Are they always authentic and real-world? Are good questions simply an example of a good task? How can we use technology to spark a rich task?

1. Let's look at the idea of a rich task? Take a look at these links. Then post a reflection on kidblog to identify how you would describe a rich task.
 * What is a Mathematically Rich Task?
 * Rich Math Tasks and Context
 * More about Rich Math Tasks (Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics)

2. So how might we use video to lunch a rich task? Watch each of these videos. They're just really cool videos. I think you'll like them regardless of how you apply them. They have a bit of "wow."
 * The 100 Meter Dash
 * The 100 Meter Freestyle
 * The Long Jump

After watching all 3:
 * Build 3 different lessons around any mathematics content of your choice. Lessons do not have to be fully detailed lesson plans. Instead, briefly describe a lesson built around these. You can use each video once, a video more than once, or a combination of videos in a lesson.
 * Browse youtube channels such as Science and Education or the NY Times Channel (essentially the newspaper in captivating video) like the Subway Emergency Alarm
 * Find 3 videos that motivate, engage, and put mathematics in context.
 * Write a brief blurb of how the video could be used in a math lesson (what content/topic it could highlight).

3. Browse Learnzillion.com and Kahn Academy.
 * Post links to a few lessons from each site to your wiki page.
 * Briefly identify the pros/cons of each site and tell which site you prefer.


 * Your Task:**
 * Post a reflection about rich tasks in mathematics
 * Create 3 different lesson briefs (in total) around the videos I posted. This is not 3 briefs for each video. It can be any combination that totals 3 (1 brief for each video, 3 briefs for 1 video, etc). Post your briefs to your wiki page.
 * Link to 3 videos of your own. Briefly share what content/topics that they would complement.
 * Browse Learnzillion and Kahn. Complete the bullet points in #3 on your wiki page. (This is your reflection for this LT.)


 * What's coming next....**
 * What if you could create your own Learnzillion or Kahn Academy?
 * What if your students could too?