So we have had our Autumn set of Parent Teacher Conferences. For the most part they were the usual check in with parents that have great kids and just want to do what they feel is right by meeting with their kid's teacher. They all went well and even though they are a long 3 days (yes that is right, three days) it really is great meeting with the parents.
This year, whenever I had a chance, I pulled out the computer and showed off the website wiki. I let the parents know that there is so much stuff out there that I wanted to share but did not have time that the wiki is where they should send their kids who were looking for more. Whenever I am watching something easy on TV I search for interesting stuff to put on line. So far the most popular stuff are the Deadliest Warrior videos that I have embedded for the different chapters. Only a month and a half and I will have the students looking for this stuff since we will be in the new building and there will not be the dreaded "buffereing" problem. I am going to love that new building and I think the kids will really get a kick out of sharing stuff.
One thing that has been taking me a lot of time recently has been digitally recording the work of the students so we can add it to the site. I have been spending a lot of time scanning in material so I have a record and I already have pictures taken of the larger projects. It will take some time but I think it will be worth it to put the kids work on the site.
For math the overwhelming response for the parents was extremely positive. Just about everyone was really happy and most said their kids were watching the videos regularly. For some of the students I need to remind them that they should look over the material when they get home if they are stuck on the nights homework but for the most part the kids are using it as a first preview. I am wondering how much the kids will actually need a math book if they have this resource. One parent said I could practice a little more on the videos and have higher production values but even they were impressed with the amount of work. I am at 1900 views and counting. So they must be doing someone some good out there since that is a lot more than I would have expected for my students.
