Evo said:
I really admire someone that can teach. I don't have the gift, I figure if I know it, anyone should know it. It takes a special person to see things from the perspective of someone that doesn't know yet.
Francis, you have a great voice.
"Aye fuhgeddaboutit!"
I guess I just have to remember to tone it down sometimes (the kids were really mean when I first moved to Old Bridge).
Anyway, thanks Evo; I really do appreciate that.
Dembadon said:
Happy Birthday, Francis!
I think your video is excellent. If you'll allow me to offer a small suggestion, though; the green marker is a touch too light. There wasn't anything that I absolutely
couldn't read, but for future videos, I think a darker color would be better.
Other than that, there's nothing wrong with your voice or presentation. Excellent job!
No, I absolutely agree. I've been having to evolve a lot of things, as I go along. I prefer to use multicolor in general, because I find it easier for students to follow me visually (i.e. they don't get "lost" in the monotony of monochrome). And so, usually, as a habit: the most important points, I try to write in red. Blue is sort of a "subtitle" of that; and green and black I tend to use interchangeably for doing examples.
Will try to get a darker green. And thank you for the advice!
physics girl phd said:
Happy belated!
Good luck with the videos... they look REALLY nice (sound off here since family is sleeping). I envy your handwriting. And it's so organized in format... a lot of thought went into that.
Thank you!
physics girl phd said:
Publishing companies are into that kinda stuff nowadays (as long as you can find a text to collaborate with... that seems to be the sticky spot, they want to attach videos to an online version of a book, and that'll require an author that's open to it and doesn't want to do it himself).
Personally, I like the concept of "online materials" and other tech. But even still: I think that a lot of teachers, principals, superintendents, and really anyone potentially involved in education these days, just like to throw the word "technology" around; and then call it a day. It really doesn't appear very strategic, a lot of times. And I really don't respect the notion of throwing out "old-fashioned" means that still work well.
I for one, absolutely loved my smart board, for say something like graphing functions. But still loved my simple overhead projector, even more so; just because it also allowed me to keep an eye on the class while writing. It is also a more comfortable position to write on a flat horizontal surface. So I've used both, where necessary.
Actually, in a single class, I regularly incorporated my blackboards, overhead, and smart board. But, as a teacher: your boss somehow never seems to appreciate that, unfortunately. They just want you to "use that $5000 smart board I got you!" even though it just isn't good for everything.
Somewhat ironically, I've found it even very limiting at times: either because of it's location in the room; the fact that it's only 5 feet wide (and scrolling obscures part of what you've written--which isn't very good for illustrating lengthy derivations); or that it has to be re-calibrated every time some knucklehead messes with the camera and/or board itself. The boards on wheels are the absolute worst!
physics girl phd said:
Do you have any publishing-house connections? (Fortunately I was just asked to review some online materials for a book that I would like to collaborate with... we'll see if that can blossom into more.) Let us know how it goes!
Honestly, I don't. But I certainly wouldn't shy away from it. Beggars can't be choosers!
physics girl phd said:
Other random thought as I'm up in the early morning hours (hunger set in and woke me): Ever think about generating a website (or working with one) that might give you online ad revenue? I'm totally unfamiliar here, I'll admit.
Well, truthfully, that's sort of why I got into Youtube. I've heard that if you get a strong enough following, that Google might consider supporting your channel.
And I figured, even if it never goes anywhere: (1) it still satisfies a basic desire in me, to communicate mathematics, to anyone whose interested; and (2) it also allows me to exercise my artistic bend. Frankly, I enjoy learning and doing things creatively; and so I've sort of taught myself how to make and edit videos at least (even if they aren't for anything professional).
Some day, certainly, I will be dead; but maybe these things will still be here to help, long after I am gone. Honestly, I can't imagine people tripping over themselves on Youtube, just to learn math; but it seems a noble usage of the medium.
Anyway, I try to make the intros amusing--just to suck people in!
