technology – Math in the Time of Corona

January 29 Day 1057: Paper vs iPad grading

I spent at least 7 hours grading today—mostly exams on paper and some homework files submitted electronically. All of it was for students in the same class. First observation: When did everyone’s handwriting become so illegible? Second observation: Why do I think my tricks to decipher handwriting on the iPad will work on paper? IContinue reading “January 29 Day 1057: Paper vs iPad grading”

November 3 Day 970: What a Beautiful Site!

I arrived in DC at 4:30 pm. No flight issues for me, thank goodness. There was plenty of time to meet up with another MAA Board member at the airport, grab a cab, tour the new HQ, enjoy empanadas for dinner, and run the MAA annual business meeting— virtually. I must admit that I amContinue reading “November 3 Day 970: What a Beautiful Site!”

October 17 Day 953: Learning New Tricks

When teaching remotely, I had lots of ways to get feedback—reactions, polls (often in Miro), waterfall chats. Now that I am back in person, I’m trying to find the right method. Inspired by my son’s willingness to ask his teacher questions on Discord, I set up a server for my class. I have to admit,Continue reading “October 17 Day 953: Learning New Tricks”

September 28 Day 934: Officially Autumn

We have passed the autumnal equinox; leaves are changing colors; and classes started at the University of Washington for Autumn quarter. Summer is over. The energy in class today was amazing. 100% attendance. Lots of positive group interactions. I’m excited to see how our community develops. After talking with my youngest son about his currentContinue reading “September 28 Day 934: Officially Autumn”

September 2 Day 908: Zooming Around the World

I gave a math talk today online. In Peru. Three years ago, something like this would have been unimaginable. Now, after teaching online through COVID, it seems like a natural next step to share mathematical joy beyond our borders. It felt novel. I haven’t ‘taught’ online for months and months. So I fretted over everything:Continue reading “September 2 Day 908: Zooming Around the World”

May 4 Day 787: Surreal Moment

I was at the airport waiting to fly to DC and participating in a Zoom meeting to hear the public presentation of a Dean candidate. I got cut off as I boarded the plane. When I rejoined from my seat on the plane, a friend texts as a result of seeing me join the meetingContinue reading “May 4 Day 787: Surreal Moment”

April 8 Day 761: A Virtual Friday Evening at #JMM2022

I enjoyed the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) poster session, business meeting, and award reception this evening. I love that they created a Gather space for the event. It was an opportunity to catch up with friends and celebrate accomplishments. AWM is a mighty organization that empowered me to become a better leader. IContinue reading “April 8 Day 761: A Virtual Friday Evening at #JMM2022”

March 8 Day 730: A Truly Hybrid Conference

Congratulations to Fred Hoffman, Maria Provost, Jeanne Cimillo, and Stephen Locke for putting together the 53rd Southeastern International Conference on Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Computing. It is the first truly hybrid conference I have attended. They went all in with technology, and have achieved what others only dream about. Let me explain. This is theContinue reading “March 8 Day 730: A Truly Hybrid Conference”

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”