Here we go . . .

I woke up this morning dreaming about a workspace I was working on.  I was trying to make it easier for others to navigate through . . .

This was the sign that I was to begin this blog TODAY.

Stepping back a few months . . . as a SEE (SMART Exemplary Educator), I was given an opportunity to apply for an all-expense paid training to the Seattle SMART office to learn more about its newest software called Amp.  To "qualify" I had to indicate that "I would soon be using Amp in my classroom" or indicate how long I had been using this first-of-its-kind innovative software.  I checked the former.  The training was scheduled for mid-February and I knew I could get it started in my classes by that time.

I was one of the lucky 14 to be selected for this exclusive opportunity.  I was honored, felt privileged but at the same time knew I had to get started with Amp.  We were called Amp Champs.  I wasn't feeling much like a "champ" so I spent hours online pouring over all the training material I could get my hands on before my February 19 departure.  I read pdfs and blogs.  I watched YouTube videos. We were required to bring a workspace to share.  Oh boy . . .  but since I had to plan my lessons for the two days I was away, I decided to create a workspace for my students to use.  It would be the same workspace I would share.

What is Amp?

It's a huge digital workspace that allows teachers and students to collaborate in real time on any mobile device (7" or larger) or computer.  Amp is cloud-based and platform-independent (Windows or Mac).

Sounds simple.  It is but the possibiliites for its use is infinite.  For every teacher who uses it, Amp could serve a different purpose.  Some of the ways I have used it:

• informally to discuss homework in my algebra and calculus classes every day.
• as a guided inquiry to teach a new concept.
• for my students to explore and discover, on their own, the transformations of the graphs of functions using their Casio Prizm graphing calculators.
• in groups to research and co-create content (the first workspace I created called Pi Day).

As I share this amazing software with more teachers, I continue to see more uses for Amp.  I will continue to pass on what I learn from other teachers.  I am Amp'd!