About myCP
I developed myCP to address an issue I had in my classroom: participation. The motivated students participated, the unmotivated students didn't, and the gap created made the problem progressively worse through the semester. I wanted to create a system of points that would tap into whatever it is in adolescents that compels them to interact with video games and social-networking web sites. While exploiting teen-agers' competitive and narcissistic instincts, I felt that it would be crucial to bring parents into the loop. I decided that all constituents (students and parents) would be more likely to use myCP if there was a small universal client available for rapid status checks; this is what the Google Gadget is. If there is demand, I will develop a widget for Net Vibes and a flake for Pageflakes.
I put myCP to work in my own classroom and then decided that other teachers could use this. Please let me know if myCP has helped you.
FAQs
What about privacy?
The privacy built in to myCP is comparable to that found in a classroom. Information displayed on these pages is identified by student ID only. The Google Gadget displays student name, but you have to know student ID to look it up.
What do you use my email address for?
Teachers who sign up for myCP must provide an email address. This is used so I can notify you of system maintenance or updates. Under no circumstances will any of your information be shared with third parties, including parents, students or other teachers.
Student or parent email addresses are not required (or even collected) for myCP.
But what about cookies?
We place one cookie on the PC of each myCP user. This stores a number (the installation ID) on your PC so you don't have to remember it. (The teacher may know what it is, but it's unlikely any students or parents will remember it.)
If you choose to do so, you can set up your computer to decline this (or any) cookie. You will then be prompted for the installation ID each time you view your points on myCP.
Does myCP work with my district grading system?
Currently there is no method for moving your myCP data into your district grading system to become a component of your students' grades automatically. Maybe you'd like to lobby your district IT department?
I prefer Pageflakes over iGoogle...
I hear you. However, iGoogle has tons more market share (and capital!), so that was the natural initial start-page application. If the market requires it, I will happily develop more of these for myCP.
I can't get my PDA (or Bluetooth adapter) to work with myCP.
Please read the instructions carefully, especially the description of file formats.
If you still need help, I'm available for technical support. I will charge you my standard consulting rate. Email me: bruce * rhodewaltNOSP@m D0T com
Overview
The myCP system is designed to work for students, parents, and teachers. Here's how:
Students
myCP takes the guessing out of that mysterious idea called Class Participation by giving you feedback each afternoon. Check myCP daily to see what CP points you earned, how this compares with the rest of the class, and whether or not your teacher has any special comments for you. It's easy and private.
Parents
myCP helps you answer that question, "How did school go today?" Your child's participation is available for you to see each afternoon.
For students and parents, myCP is available to use free of charge, and no login is required.
Teachers
myCP simplifies the process of documenting each student's participation, minimizing the subjectivity and latency. Each student knows how he or she did in class that day. You can even use your Palm or Windows PDA: a few clicks and your participation points are on the web for viewing by parents and students.
About The Programmer
Bruce Rhodewalt is a math teacher in California, USA. He has been programming computers professionally for over 20 years, and he has been an Internet user and programmer since 1988.