Meet the Author
An IDL Program
by Nancy Jackson
March 14, 2008
Some of Mrs. Jackson's middle school students were able to attend a live, interactive program in the high school's Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) room on Wednesday, March 12th. The program, Meet the Author, is sponsored by "The Fairfax Network, an award-winning producer of distance learning programming that originates in Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia. They have provided enrichment programs to schools and cable stations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for over 15 years. All programs are free to schools." Locally the Greenbush Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) Network makes these program available to area schools.
March 12's author was Wendy Lichtman, who "decided to write a story for teens that suggested there might be some questions with more than one right answer.
"With Do the Math: Secrets, Lies and Algebra, viewers are introduced to Lichtman’s use of algebraic metaphor when she describes middle school from one character’s point of view: “We’re spending a lot of time studying inequalities now, which makes sense, since who you’re greater than (>) and who you’re less than is kind of the point of the eighth grade.”
"During this live program, students are invited to call in to talk to the author about her latest books, the writing process, becoming a writer--whatever is on their minds."
Hiawatha Middle School students discussed which mathematical symbols would be good metaphors for themselves, and they called in and asked Ms. Lichtman what her favorite type of equation is. Ms. Lichman responded that right then it was the linear equation because she had just learned how to use a linear equation to figure out which telephone plan gave her the most value for her money.
* Quotes are from the Greenbush Distance Learning Program Calendar.
