What is my goal?

I am really enjoying reading the blogs that my classes are writing and for the most part, I am able to touch base with them and it is like a weekly 'how are you doing?' and where are your trouble areas. I want to extend it so that it has more meaning and more of a collaborative aspect for the students. I'm trying to think of how I can do that. Many of the students, more so freshmen than upperclassmen are giving me feedback that they do not like it and do not see the point. I do explain that it is a way for me to see how they are doing and what concerns they have, but I would like for them to get more out of it.

I'm doing a presentation on wikis in 2 weeks. If you have seen some good wikis to show or have any ideas, I would love to hear them.

New tools

I came into this year with high hopes - wanted to do weekly podcasts, wikis and blogging. I feel good. I started the year off with blogs - the students do them weekly or every 2 weeks. I am determining what exactly I want to accomplish with them, but even so, they have been great so far. I know I can take it further and I want to make sure I am having the students get the most out of it. Podcasting - weekly is not feasible - but having them do end of unit reviews - so far this has been fun for them and a neat way to have an audio review for audio visual learners. Wikis have been great for end of unit reviews also - it is a big study guide where everyone can add their piece. I wonder what other teachers are using wikis for and I think language teachers can do great with podcasts. Sometimes I find it hard with math though. I keep looking!

Math blogs

I am trying to determine which direction to take the math blogs in the classroom to. Has anyone seen any neat math blogs that are current and kept up? I really like reading what the students write, but I want to make sure that it is worthwhile and effective and making connections. I have used wikis to do a study guide or lesson review but also want to make use of these more as well. Any math teachers out there, please contact me!