Week 2

Mr. Deuy Fractions:  This movie clip about fractions was very entertaining.  When I teach I want to  try and find movies like this so that my students have a fun way to remember the rules about mathematics and other subjects.  When I was in elementary school we watched a couple episodes of school house rock to teach us about grammar.  I find myself still reciting the songs in my head when I need to recall certain rules.  I liked how the producer of this movie wrote it like a rap because raps have a rhythm that is really easy to remember and the words generally stick in your head.  I think that this movie would be very beneficial because it would involve everyone in the class whether boy or girl and whether they excel in math or not.  The visual information is just as important as the audio portion.  While the students hear the information they can also see what is being done so they know how to do it on paper and apply the things they have learned.  This movie is a fresh new way to present information.  It provides students with valuable information and encourages a positive experience with math.  

Technology is booming around the world so inevitably it is being incorporated into the school systems.  Kids love technology, they love playing computer games, nintendo, surfing the internet etc.  By using computers in the classroom students can learn while doing something they love.  I think that social networking is a great way for teachers and parents to keep in contact.  When I teach a class of my own I want to have a class website that parents can go online everyday see what we did, what homework is due, tests and field trips coming up, if we need volunteers etc.  I believe that the best way for a busy parent to get in contact with a teacher is simply through email because it is a fast easy way to get in contact and is very convenient.  I think that blogging is a great idea for me to keep in contact with my colleagues.  I think that every school should have a blog then all the teachers could post about successful lesson ideas, questions, problems, then they would be able to comment, collaborate and help each other.   It would then be really easy to tag and give information that would be helpful in preparing different lessons or solving different problems.  Some of the cons about using different social networking tools is it discourages face to face interaction.  Instead of actually calling a parent up to tell them that their child isn't doing well it is super easy to just send them an email. This might not be the most effective form of communication in this circumstance.  I think that social networking tools can be very beneficial to the classroom and the education system as a whole when used in the right place and in the right circumstances.  

Ideal Classroom/Video

When I imagine my ideal classroom I think about teaching like 1st or 2nd grade. The kids are all sitting and behaving. When I ask questions they raise their hands and only speak when I call on them. I teach in a small rural town where parents love to come and work in the classroom. The students love to come to school, they are all really good friends and love to be around each other. I love the other teachers I work with. We work together and share ideas about different topics and lesson ideas. My classroom has windows and the bulletin boards are full of the kids' work, posters, and calenders. My classroom is organized and clean. In my ideal classroom I am a really fun, energetic teacher. When I teach the kids are actively engaged I like when they share and discuss with each other at appropriate times. The desks are arranged in tables so that they can share, collaborate and listen to one another. I believe that students learn best when they practice what they learn and ask questions. I want my classroom to be very interactive. Some of the technologies I will utilize may include powerpoint, overheads, movies, and computers. If I teach an older grade such as 5th or 6th grade the classroom will have laptops to use for different activities. I will teach all subjects but I want to emphasize math and reading because I believe that students who are good in math and reading are more likely to succeed in other subjects. As their teacher I hope to instill in them a love of learning. I believe that if students love school at a young age then they will love school later on and learning forms the foundation for a successful life. I want to teach my students life long principles and values that they can carry throughout their life.

VIDEO:
I thought that the TechWatch video clip was very informative. At the beginning of the clip they talked about charging internet users by the minute. As a college student, I don't like that idea becuase I use the internet so much for homework and research, but I am truly a starving student so I wouldn't be able to afford my internet bill. On the other hand I think it is a good idea for families because it would limit the amount of time that children spend in front of the computer and would maybe encourage them to participate in more physical activities. The movie clip also talked about a new computer game coming out called "Our Courts," released by Sandra Day O'Conner it will teach kids about the judiciary system in America. I think that this is a good idea because as a child in elementary I had no idea what the court system in America was about. Children love to play computer games so I think that by making games that are educational the kids will remember the information better and enjoy learning it at the same time. Technology plays a major role in schools and in childrens lives.