Script #1:

Technology can be used to substitute, augment, modify, and

redefine learning.
Although now considered a more basic technology tool, and a
staple in most classrooms, SmartBoard technology can truly enhance a
classroom. Especially with all of the new updates in Smart Notebook
15, a plain lesson can be transformed to be more engaging and
interactive. Also, the new Geogebra software embedded into the most
recent SmartBoard update can be particularly useful for math teachers,
such as myself. It is a valuable tool that I think all teachers should be
proficient in.
My favorite way to implement technology into the classroom is
through flipped learning tools. There arent always easy to implement,
because there simply isnt always enough time. However, creating
videos for your students to watch at home can transform your entire
classroom. You can make a pre-requisite video so that students are
more prepared for the days lesson when they walk into your class. Or,
you can teach a lesson on a video and use the class time to practice
instead. You can also use flipped learning videos simply as
reinforcement, especially for struggling students. The possibilities are
endless. Flipped learning can transform the entire learning experience
for both students and teachers.
Then again, if time is what youre worried about with flipped
learning, then EdPuzzle can help. EdPuzzle allows you to edit premade videos, so you dont need to spend all of the time creating them
from scratch. It also has the wonderful feature of allowing you to insert
quick quiz questions throughout the video, and/or prevent students
from skipping parts of the video. Its a really simple way to make sure
your students are watching the videos that you assign- since we all
know how much students love doing homework.
Now if you want to transform your classroom into a more fun
place of learning, then Kahoot is for you. I must admit, even I was
entranced when I first played. If you want to capitalize on the
competitive nature of your students, while still assessing them and
receiving valuable data, then Kahoot is for you. And, of course, there
are several other tools, such as Formative, to assess your students.
They may not be as fun, but they are effective (and schools not all
about fun, right?!).
These are just a few of the many ways technology can transform
a classroom. I chose these because I find they are the most valuable
to me, but the possibilities are endless. I must admit, I used to be a
little intimidated of technology, but Ive learned that the best thing to
do is experiment with different apps and programs to familiarize
yourself with them. Then, you can decide which technologies work
best for you. Im looking forward to continue to work with these tools,
and more, in my classroom.

Script #2:
I think, therefore I am. Youve probably heard this famous
quote, and may even be able to associate it with its author.
Were you thinking Rene Descartes? If so, then you were right.
Descartes is hailed as the Father of Modern Philosophy, but did you
also know that he was an extremely influential mathematician?
In fact, one of Descartess key conclusions was that the key to
philosophy, with all of its uncertainties, was to build on the
indisputable facts of mathematics. Hes often considered the first of
the modern school of mathematics.
Descartes brought us a lot of things that we take for granted in
modern mathematics. For one, he introduced standard algebraic
notation, using lowercase letters a, b, and c for known quantities and x,
y, and z for unknown quantities. Hes also credited as the first
mathematician to use superscript for writing exponents.
Ever used an xy-plane to graph something? You can thank
Descartes for that too. He brought us what is now known as Cartesian
coordinates in his book La Geometrie. The coordinate plane was
developed to locate points on a plane, but it developed into what is
known as analytic geometry. This was particularly groundbreaking,
because it allowed for the conversion of geometry to algebra, and viceversa. For example, thanks to Descartes, you can solve system of
equations both algebraically and graphically.
By far, the Cartesian coordinate system was Descartess biggest
contribution to mathematics. However, he also brought us Descartes
rule of signs, which allows you to determine the number of positive and
negative real roots of a polynomial based on the number of sign
changes. Its a pretty useful trick in advanced mathematics, such as
precalculus.
When you think of mathematicians, you think of Pythagoras, and
Euclid, and Pascal, but you usually dont think of Descartes. And yet,
without him, we would not only not have modern notation for algebra,
but also would not have the entire Cartesian coordinate system!
Descartes developments in mathematics are invaluable. To me, they
should be just as esteemed as his contributions to modern philosophy.