Jobe,+Yvette+Ashburn+-+Cool+Tool+Review

On Tuesday, we attended the Cool Tools Carousel and Cool Tools & Hot Topics. During the Carousel session, we were exposed to tools that fit into three different categories: Developing a Framework for How to Find and Select Tools; Developing a Compelling Question/Gather & Analyze Information; and Creatively Synthesize, Evaluate, Publish & Share. In each session, the facilitator focused on the following sites that directly related to the category: Out of the carousel, I was familiar with many of the tools presented. However, I do plan to further explore the use of iRubric, Tricider, and Blabberize within my math class this year. These are tools that are completely new to me. However, even with only a brief overview of these tools, I can see how they could have a positive impact within my classroom.
 * __Review & Reflection __**
 * Developing a Framework for How to Find and Select Tools: iRubric, SimilarSites.com, and Information Fluecy Wizards
 * Developing a Compelling Question/Gather & Analyze Information: Google Forms, Tricider, Symballo, Livebinder, and Engage Commuity
 * Creatively Synthesize, Evaluate, Publish & Share: Google Docs, Blabberize, Sock Puppets, ToonDoo, Edmodo, Twitter, Glogster, Prezi, and SlideRocket

During the Cool Tools and Hot Topics, I chose to attend the Smartphones in the Classroom. Our facilitator, Kevin Oliver, conducted an in-depth presentation on the concept of BYOD, Bring Your Own Device. A Smartphone can serve several functions in the classroom. It can be used to: A few of the sites shared to use with a Smartphone were Celly, PollEverywhere, Socrative, CellBlock and WallWisher. I found all of these to be easy to use and have multiple applications within the classroom.
 * communicate in a variety of ways (text, voice, podcast, talkshows, blogs, digital book, polls)
 * obtain responses to quizzes or comments on a topic
 * scan QR codes
 * capture images
 * incorporating geo sites & GPS cabalities

On Wednesday, I attended the Cool Tool session related to mathematics. Although Tuesday’s sessions were interested, I found this session to be best because it was a hands-on experience with incorporating a cool tool into my content area. We conducted the Barbie Bungee experiment. I have been involved with this activity before but without the use of the Core Math Tools we were introduced to in the session. These Core Math Tools, a part of NCTM, provides students with a way to interpret their data and make predictions. These tools provide options for Algebra and Functions, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, Spreadsheets, Coordinate Plane problems, and Simulations. It encompasses a wide variety of math applications in one location.

7.RP.2a: Decide whether two quantities are in a proportional relationship, e.g., by testing for equivalent ratios in a table or graphing on a coordinate plane and observing whether the graph is a straight line through the origin. Students will be given an exit ticket question/problem using.
 * __Lesson Plan Integrating Cool Tools__**
 * Standard:**
 * Activity: **
 * 1) 1. Using [], students will be placed in group of 4.
 * 2) 2. Each group will be given a slinky spring, 2 yard sticks, m&m’s, 2 paper clips, and 1 paper cup. Then, they will place one yard stick between two desks. Using the paper clips, they will attach the cup to end of the spring and hook the other end of the spring to the yard stick.
 * 3) 3. Using the other yard stick, students should measure the distance from the bottom of the cup to the floor and record the distance in the table provided in **Core Math Tools – CAS function**.
 * 4) 4. Adding one m&m at a time, students will measure the distance from the bottom of the cup to the floor and record the data in the table. Repeat this process 8 times.
 * 5) 5. Using the graph function in **Core Math Tools – CAS**, students will graph the data on the coordinate plane.
 * //During the activity phase, [[file:///C:/Users/jobeyv/Desktop/wallwisher.com|Wallwisher.com]] will be projected on the board for groups to ask questions. This will prevent the same question being asked multiple times.//
 * Analyze the Data:**
 * 1) 1. Groups will respond to a series of questions that direct the attention to the data using [[file:///C:/Users/jobeyv/Desktop/m.socrative.com|m.socrative.com]].
 * 2) 2. Once each group is finished, the results to the questions will be displayed.
 * Assessment:**