I have learned.....

I never thought I would learn as much as I did in this class. There were many fun challenges we faced such as the movies, the final project, and the blogging. These activities taught me how to use different aspects of technology as well as help me as a teacher implement them in my classes. Students love technology and use it on a an everyday basis. We as teachers need to embrace it and help change our curriculum to fit the need. These challenges were not comfortable at first but as the semester went on got easier to do. I have made at least three other movies since I learned how to make the one for class.

I found it very interesting how little is done to make the schools the best they can be. Many of the schools are doing the bare minimum to get by. This is where creative teachers must come in with their new ideas and tools to help revamp curriculum and make it exciting and important for their students. I believe this class has helped me gain some of those tools and knowledge to be able to do just that.

I believe the proposal we present in class is one that many schools need to adopt. I would love to put this into use in the future. I feel as if that is possible now that I know how to take the steps to change the curriculum.

Orange

The idea of making the smaller units for the kids is a great idea. Kids that live in impoverished areas face so many issues and problems. The last thing we can expect them to do is come to school excited to learn. It is our job to help them stay focused and interested in their studies. It is also our job to help them see there is hope, and education can change their lives. Smaller groups of kids and teachers will make it easier to do that. When kids feel like they are just a number they do not get the individual attention they need to grow. Smaller groups help keep their individuality. The teachers can collaborate, and discuss what the best tools are to help their students. They can meet on a regular basis. Most of these tactics can not be done in a large school due to space and time. I believe this idea will work for the students. The teachers will have more personal relationships with their students, and the students will feel cared about and encouraged on a constant basis. The testing puts pressure on schools and Orange middle school has felt that pressure yet focused on change and not blame.

Unfortunately impoverished areas do not have parental involvement like other schools. Parental involvement is a key factor in a students success. Teachers can do so much for that student and some of that progress can be lost by just going home. There needs to be activities planned to get parents to come and be involved with their child learning process. This is a change that will help reinforce what Orange is already doing for their kids.