Time for my annual post to justify paying for this domain. Tim Minchin's pope Song is obviously worthy of a post. Share and Enjoy!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
No more tests! Calculus is vanquished!
So the news is, I passed the third CSET math test. Calculus, Trigonometry and the History of Math. I'm convinced I only passed it by making good guesses, but it's still now in the book and done. Now on to the next phase in my life. I'm either going to write a screenplay, try to tackle the Science CSETs or shock, I might actually land a job!
I haven't gotten any comments on my previous CSET math link pages, so unless I get a request for it, I'm not going to put up helpful links for CSET 3 as I'm sick to death of Math for the moment and can't be bothered if nobody is actually benefiting from it. If you want a comprehensive list of links for CSET 3 feel free to persuade me and I will gladly do it.
Again this blog is basically dead, any news, comments, offensive remarks I have, you'll find me spouting on twitter.
I haven't gotten any comments on my previous CSET math link pages, so unless I get a request for it, I'm not going to put up helpful links for CSET 3 as I'm sick to death of Math for the moment and can't be bothered if nobody is actually benefiting from it. If you want a comprehensive list of links for CSET 3 feel free to persuade me and I will gladly do it.
Again this blog is basically dead, any news, comments, offensive remarks I have, you'll find me spouting on twitter.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Everybody Draw muhammad Day
Thursday May 20th is Everybody Draw muhammad day if you hadn't heard. Sorry I couldn't wait, so above is my first attempt. Needs work I know, but my artistic skills have been laying dormant for a while. Until next time . . .
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Can't be bothered with blogging
I won't ever be blogging again unless there is some huge thing on my chest that can't be said in a tweet. The reason is simple, not enough people read my blogs for it to be worth my time. Thanks to those who do, but unless I figure out some way to draw a crowd I will limit myself to tweeting. Plus I think it keeps me to the point.
Soon I will be posting some more links to CSET math resources. Similar to the one I posted with links to helpful videos for subtest 1. There aren't really very many videos related to subtest 2 unfortunately, but for subtest 3 there are plenty. I get my first crack at subtest 3 Saturday. Should be fun, don't think I'll pass however. The problem with all online resources and textbooks however is that the CSET doesn't ask all the normal type questions. They are each a puzzle, combining different skills in weird ways, asking things backwards, or maybe focusing on one particular step of a bigger problem. You have to know lots of the theory and concepts behind the algorithms. Unfortunately all the books and videos out there are about solving pretty straight-forward problems. So you have to get incredibly good at those and then just hope your brain is able to make the right connections when it comes to test day.
OK talk to you later.
Soon I will be posting some more links to CSET math resources. Similar to the one I posted with links to helpful videos for subtest 1. There aren't really very many videos related to subtest 2 unfortunately, but for subtest 3 there are plenty. I get my first crack at subtest 3 Saturday. Should be fun, don't think I'll pass however. The problem with all online resources and textbooks however is that the CSET doesn't ask all the normal type questions. They are each a puzzle, combining different skills in weird ways, asking things backwards, or maybe focusing on one particular step of a bigger problem. You have to know lots of the theory and concepts behind the algorithms. Unfortunately all the books and videos out there are about solving pretty straight-forward problems. So you have to get incredibly good at those and then just hope your brain is able to make the right connections when it comes to test day.
OK talk to you later.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Laid down the foundations
So I passed pt. 2 of the CSET math test now. Not sure how since I was a bit of a slacker this time around as far as studying but however it happened, it's a done deal. I now have everything I need to send in to Sacramento for a foundational math certificate.
I did it all with old used textbooks and accompanying solution manuals bought on E-bay for just a few bucks, I used free down-loadable ebooks and videos, and other web resources. No money spent on test-prep classes, university courses, tutoring, fancy new books, what have you. The $4 billion test-prep industry is entitled to make their money of course and I'm sure they are also helpful, but as I'm all about value for money, in the current climate where Wikiversity is a click away, I would advise they take a hard look at what value they are adding.
On eBay you can buy a good college algebra book, plus solution manual, plus shipping, plus tax, for $15 or less total. Plus the aforementioned free sites and videos which can help you hone into exactly what's going to be on the test. The test prep books & courses cost $100's. It isn't an exaggeration that some people are spending $1000 on help for these tests. Now I'm a wacko in that I get off on getting the most value for money, while most won't be as extreme as me, we are talking about students and teachers taking these tests after all who aren't known for throwing their money around. Looks like Kaplan will go the same way as their founder, who recently died if they don't get with the new program. Wired did an article on Knewton which is trying a new cheaper online model.
It's so nice that the internet and podcasting got their start prior to iPhones/iPod Touch/iPads. The new Apple Store model is completely restricted and nickels and dimes you for everything. The devices are locked down and everything has got to go through the manufacturer. I enjoy the wide open model we've had with computers and the web up to now. It has brought us all sorts of accessible knowledge free of any gatekeepers. You already know the stories of the industries it has shaken up, but adult education doesn't seem to be one of them.
For kids the traditional model of the classroom and teacher still is really the best thing out there and can't be replaced, but for anybody age 16 and over I'm not sure if most really need it. Some programs more than other need interaction with a cohort of students of course, but even those could have their 'scheduled class time' greatly diminished in favor of online options.
Well I could go on forever about how education has always been sluggish to adapt to technology but I really just popped on to give you the update on my test. In fact I finished those tests quicker than I thought and considering I'm still funemployed I'm now going to tackle CSET math Part 3, in order to get a full-math credential! Should be fun, I've already got my giant Calculus book off ebay for $4 including shipping. Plus my hero Gilbert Strang of MIT has put out a new short series called Highlights of Calculus.
I did it all with old used textbooks and accompanying solution manuals bought on E-bay for just a few bucks, I used free down-loadable ebooks and videos, and other web resources. No money spent on test-prep classes, university courses, tutoring, fancy new books, what have you. The $4 billion test-prep industry is entitled to make their money of course and I'm sure they are also helpful, but as I'm all about value for money, in the current climate where Wikiversity is a click away, I would advise they take a hard look at what value they are adding.
On eBay you can buy a good college algebra book, plus solution manual, plus shipping, plus tax, for $15 or less total. Plus the aforementioned free sites and videos which can help you hone into exactly what's going to be on the test. The test prep books & courses cost $100's. It isn't an exaggeration that some people are spending $1000 on help for these tests. Now I'm a wacko in that I get off on getting the most value for money, while most won't be as extreme as me, we are talking about students and teachers taking these tests after all who aren't known for throwing their money around. Looks like Kaplan will go the same way as their founder, who recently died if they don't get with the new program. Wired did an article on Knewton which is trying a new cheaper online model.
It's so nice that the internet and podcasting got their start prior to iPhones/iPod Touch/iPads. The new Apple Store model is completely restricted and nickels and dimes you for everything. The devices are locked down and everything has got to go through the manufacturer. I enjoy the wide open model we've had with computers and the web up to now. It has brought us all sorts of accessible knowledge free of any gatekeepers. You already know the stories of the industries it has shaken up, but adult education doesn't seem to be one of them.
For kids the traditional model of the classroom and teacher still is really the best thing out there and can't be replaced, but for anybody age 16 and over I'm not sure if most really need it. Some programs more than other need interaction with a cohort of students of course, but even those could have their 'scheduled class time' greatly diminished in favor of online options.
Well I could go on forever about how education has always been sluggish to adapt to technology but I really just popped on to give you the update on my test. In fact I finished those tests quicker than I thought and considering I'm still funemployed I'm now going to tackle CSET math Part 3, in order to get a full-math credential! Should be fun, I've already got my giant Calculus book off ebay for $4 including shipping. Plus my hero Gilbert Strang of MIT has put out a new short series called Highlights of Calculus.
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