Day 5

Throughout this week i think the most valuable aspect has been the time we had to work on the program. Each morning we had a challenge that we were "helped" with by the large number of experts. By the end of the week we had become the experts (kinda) helping each other de-bug and finish the challenges. I think next time some of the homework, instead of reading, should be developing programs, writing scripts and doing challenge problems.

Day 4

Problem based learning has an emphasis on teaching students to think about how to solve problems. This skill will be useful not only for the standard course of study but any problem students face in life or other classes. The science class is perfectly adapted to teaching this method and should be used for this purpose. This is why it surprises me that science is so undervalued in this state and particularly in Pender County. Students who are taught to think will soon be able to take unfamiliar situations and think their way through it. This would allow students to think their way through the EOG. Squeak in it self is a problem based learning system. Using the program makes you think your way through the problem. You must look at your goal, look at your script and ensure they match. If they match and don't work you must problem solve until you find the problem. Squeak allows you to model any situation and gives you a powerful tool to help solve your problem based learning problem.

Day 3

When looking at my student population I don't see any individual who would not benefit from using the squeak program. I feel that all of my students are under-served due to the low level of science training they have received throughout their formal education. This is one more tool I can use to motivate and excite students into learning about science concepts. This program is fun and students will be sneaking to it during computer time to "play" when they are supposed to be doing other activities. I will be using the program to simulate density, spread of virus, movement of cars. I plan on doing my lesson for this class on calculating absolute zero. This absolute zero lesson will be used with 6-7-8 grades this year and in the following years it will be a 6th grade project. This program can be used at all middles school grades for several different goals.

Day 2

The use of computer based learning is a very acceptable form of education for students in my school. Students love to use the computer to do simulations, create power points and play games. Mostly students like to play games and watch music videos. This is mainly due to students not having any easy to use format to do learning or create their own products. I feel my students will love using the squeak program because it is easy and you can get something cool in only a few minutes. An additional benefit to this program is that it is hard to mess up and not get anything. If you create a script you will see something happen. Often the coolest stuff happens by accident. In our school the IT teacher is always looking for projects students can be doing to integrate his class with ours. this program is the perfect answer to his question. Students will be modeling all sorts of math and science topics in computer class. The biggest barrier to using squeak is the time required to do some of the background. I have 90 days with students and 50 competency goals to "cover" throw in testing and wasted days (assemblies, field trips, and the like) and I don't have time to cover anything in the depth required to use the program on a consistent basis.