Week 2-Video Reflection

I think that using music to teach children things like math is a very good idea. I know that I remember things a lot more when it is turned into a song. I had a math teacher at UVU who would sang songs for us to help us remember formulas and things like that and it made math more bearable. I think in Elementary school it's even more important than college to keep the students interest. However, I did not think the video that I just watched was very helpful. I didn't remember anything he was actually trying to teach in the song, just what he was singing about. I think you should use songs in teaching, but it's best to find ones that are actually helpful in remembering something.

Week 2-Communication Tools

Using blogs, facebook, sites, gmail, etc. will make it a lot easier to stay in contact with students because most people use the internet and the students will be able to look up what they may have missed on a day they were sick, or they can email me with their questions about assignments or due dates, etc. Parents will be able to keep track of what their students are learning in school and be able to easily contact me with any questions they may have about their students work. These communication tools will also help me keep in contact with collegues to know when meetings or other important events are. Also, I can use it to ask them questions related to teaching. I think that things like facebook are so popular with students because it allows them to communicate quickly with their friends and keep up to date on whats going on. They feel connected to others.

Some of the pros to these communication tools is that it keeps you up to date and you can check it when you have time, whereas a phone call has to be done when both people are available to talk. Some cons would be that sometimes technology is unreliable and also if you say something in an email meant as a joke, someone reading the email might not hear it the same way you meant it and take offense.

Overall I think that using email, blogs, etc. are an effective way to keep in contact with students, parents, collegues, etc.

Video Reflection

I think that it is really good that they have students using technology more and more in the schools. As they come out with more technology it's important that kids use it in the schools because not all students have access to it at home. As the world moves more towards technology, computers, email, etc. its important that kids learn it too so their not left behind not knowing how to use it. I think that using computer animations to teach students about things in the world is a really good way to help them to learn. It makes it more fun and more realistic than just looking at words and pictures in a textbook.

Ideal Classroom Reflection

My ideal school would be here in Utah County so I wouldn't have to move too far away. The class size would be smaller than the average class size, about 15 students. That way I could give them more one on one attention. My classroom would have a lot of books for the students to chose from and read during their free time. My classroom would have a lot of different art supplies so the students could build their creativity. The other teachers would be helpful and supportive. The parents would be involved and give their input but also they would be supportive. My goal in the classroom would be to build a safe environment where students felt free to explore and learn and express their personalities in a place where they wouldn't be criticized.