How can I use this?

I can definitely use a SmartBoard in my classroom to present lessons and help get students involved in the solving of math equations.  I also think it would be cool to video tape my lessons using the iPad, tripod setup so if students are absent or just want to look back at what we learned, it could be available to them via BlackBoard.

Technology of the Future

The technology that will be in my classroom in 5 years... I imagine sleek, fast, laptop computers for all of my students and an iPad station in each classroom. There will most likely be some version of a SmartBoard.  Each student will probably have the iPhone 6 or some subsequent model and/or a smart watch that links directly with their phone, laptop, etc.  It would be really cool if we had some 3D holographic type tool that could be used to model shapes or other mathematical concepts. Other than that...I don't really know what else to think.  Technology is expanding so rapidly these days, who knows what will be easily accessible to me and my students in 5 years?

Sphere

Today I got the opportunity to work with an app called sphere.  I thought it was going to be lame, but it turned out to be really cool! I could definitely see how an elementary or even middle school classroom could use this, but I want to be a math teacher.  How can I use this?  Well I have a few thoughts: 1. This would be a great way to document growth and change in the classroom.  By taking a sphere on the first day of school and the last day of school, it would be fun to make a comparison.
                2. In a math classroom it might be cool to find a sphere of a historical math figure's home or study.  It could also be interesting to look for certain math concepts, such as parallel lines, triangles, etc. out in nature or somewhere else using a sphere.
In any classroom, I think watching spheres would be a fun way to "get out" of the classroom or take a break from studying.

Passion

I learned recently the root of the word passion is enduring and sacrifice.  By this definition, I have a few passions.  The most important of these are running and mathematics.  Both of these things are difficult and I don't always enjoy doing them, but the feeling of accomplishment I get when I conquer a hard workout or a difficult math problem is absolutely worth it.  These things require endurance and sacrifice, so they are my passions.

You Matter

"You are a genius, and the world needs your contribution."
Those are the first words that a complete stranger said to me through my computer screen...and I felt it.  I recently watched a few videos from educator and speaker, Angela Maiers.  She opened with that line.  These videos are all about the message that "You Matter".  She encourages her listeners to let people know that they matter and why they matter.  She said that letting someone know that they are noticed, valued, and depended on is the most beautiful way of showing someone you care.  I have never thought about it this way before, but I have found that I absolutely agree.  We were created for significance (another idea from her talk).  So today, my challenge is to fulfill that significance by being the best student, friend, daughter, sister, athlete, etc I can be.  And I challenge you to this as well. We should all hold each other accountable to the use of our skills, talents, and resources to their full potential.  As Ms. Maiers said, "When you ask for genius, it usually shows up."  Go forth, share your genius, and have a great day!

Introduction to blogging

My name is Marissa DeWispelare.  I was born and raised in David City, NE, where I attended Aquinas Catholic High School.  I am a sophomore at Doane College, studying mathematics with an emphasis on secondary education.  That's right, I want to be a math teacher.  How crazy am I?  Believe me, that isn't the half of it...