January 2022 – Math in the Time of Corona

January 27 Day 690: I Changed My Mind

I do want to talk about Wordle. As opposed to January 24 Day 687: We Don’t Talk About Wordle. Let me set the stage. I am trying to teach in person. In reality, I am teaching a synchronous remote course from the classroom. Only one human being joined me on campus this morning (13 othersContinue reading “January 27 Day 690: I Changed My Mind”

January 26 Day 689: It’s Pretty Sticky

I love Post-It Note activities to bring a group together as we work towards a common goal. After today’s assessment work group meeting, I created this activity to prepare for our next discussion. The circles represent the four majors in the Science and Math (SAM) Division of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences atContinue reading “January 26 Day 689: It’s Pretty Sticky”

January 25 Day 688: In-person Attendance Woes

One week ago today: I had seven students in the classroom and eight students online. This was the first day I offered in-person classes (and third week of the quarter.) I figured it would get better. Today: I had two students in the classroom and twelve online. That’s not better. One week from today: TheContinue reading “January 25 Day 688: In-person Attendance Woes”

January 24 Day 687: We Don’t Talk About Wordle

As this blog is intended as commentary on our world during the COVID pandemic, I feel I cannot ignore important trends and fads that sweep through the population. First there was Tiger King. Now there is Wordle. I love Wordle. I have played it every morning for the last three weeks. It reminds me ofContinue reading “January 24 Day 687: We Don’t Talk About Wordle”

January 23 Day 686: In the Zone

I was working on a mathematics manuscript today—editing and creating promised illustrations for my Wednesday collaboration meeting. I had made good progress in the afternoon and thought to briefly review my new contributions before relaxing for the evening. The next thing I realized, it was 11 o’clock at night; I completely lost myself in theContinue reading “January 23 Day 686: In the Zone”

January 19 Day 682: Extra Credit Magic

I held in-person drop in hours today at the UW Tacoma Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Why the TLC? It’s neutral ground. My students know that I am there for them—so they cannot be interrupting me. Plus it introduces them to a fantastic place to work, collaborate, get help, or just hang out. For manyContinue reading “January 19 Day 682: Extra Credit Magic”

January 18 Day 681: That was Interesting

The verdict is in. In-person class was OK. Seven in the classroom. Eight on zoom. One (maybe two) absent. It was the best attendance I have had thus far. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. So I tried to be flexible and ready for anything. Everyone brought a laptop or tablet and most signedContinue reading “January 18 Day 681: That was Interesting”

January 17 Day 680: Reboot

This will be my third week of a 10-week quarter and my first week in-person. I am grateful to have a small enrollment of 17 students and am looking forward to meeting them face-to-face for the first time. I’m nervous—it feels more like a first day than a fifth day. I plan to arrive 45Continue reading “January 17 Day 680: Reboot”

January 16 Day 679: Writers Block

One article done. One to go. Between two promised pieces and imminent deadlines, I have been writing a fair amount this week. Perhaps that is why I haven’t posted much to the blog. I spent many hours this Sunday typing gibberish– just to put something on the page. I don’t like any of it. ItContinue reading “January 16 Day 679: Writers Block”