Podcasts!

Podcasts are a rather new thing and a great tool for nearly anyone. Being a future teacher the ideas that can be made from podcasts are amazing. I already envision myself using them in my own future classroom in a variety of ways. First of all I found one named Grammar Girl who does a weekly show on tips about writing. Playing this for my students will give them lessons from another perspective/voice and help me backup my own lesson on writing. Besides using podcasts made from other I could also use my own podcasts in a variety of ways. One idea I have is to have summaries of classes in short 3 minute podcasts for my class can listen to at home to refresh them, help them study, or if absent help them catch up. I could also require for homework for my students to find a podcast they enjoy and write based on it. For example for someone who has a strong interest in music can pick a podcast based on music and then write about it and review it. Podcasts are still relatively new and with video podcasts starting to become popular its an exciting time to become a teacher and benefit from them!

Book Review Grading

With the book review project I think that each of us should be graded independently. Group projects are a really tricky thing and it can sometimes be full of problems due to lack of communion or someone in the group not pulling their own weight. This is why I believe this and all other group projects should be based on each person’s individual work on the project so everyone is treated fairly based on his or her own work and is not dragged down by others. GPAs are very important and it should never ever be harmed by anyone else but ourself.

Thinkfinity and Intel

Using the Thinkfinity Tools or the tools supplies by Intel in the classroom allows teachers to create new opportunities for the students. For example When I was looking through Intel's website I found a great worksheet that had to do with Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven. Using this worksheet the students can study Poe's work closely learning new vocabulary and understanding the meaning to Poe's poem. Not only do these websites provide worksheets but they also have interactive games and activities that students can use in the classroom. These activities keep things fun and fresh for the students, which is very important when trying to teach them. Using these websites can give me and other future teachers great ideas on how to work with the students and ensure they stay engaged and active in their learning process.