Copyright

Worrying about being a good teacher, preparing your students for tests, grading homework, meeting the PA standards and keeping up with the curriculum, and on top of it all, teachers need to worry if they will be fined or jailed for breaking copyright laws! Ridiculous in my opinion.

-Don't tape programs that you find interesting and show them to your students unless copyright laws allow it
-Don't make copies of software that you own and bring it in to share with your students
-Don't copy cartoon characters and post them on your bulletin board to brighten up your classroom
-Don't give your students handouts with proper copyright laws being observed

Being a good teacher and teaching great lesson plans and worrying about breaking federal laws shouldn't be a concern that teachers have to deal with.

I understand that writers don't appreciate people stealing their work. When they work hard to get their books and essays published, and in turn have students take their work and pass it off as their own, it is upsetting...and I think that those students should be punished. However, having the copyright police teachers who are just trying to create a meaningful lesson to help their students is absurd. Teachers who have to worry about breaking federal law to be a good teacher by providing resources needed to present a memorable lesson plan shouldn't be prosecuted. In my classroom, I will try to observe and adhere to all the federal copyright laws, however I will continue to provide resources to my students without having to look over my shoulder each time I make a copy. Students deserve a good education and to worry and sometimes breaking some rules is what it takes to achieve it.

Video Project

Working with Justin on our group video project was a very exciting, intriguing, and innovative experience. From brainstorming ideas, to doodling the scenes, to shooting our video, the entire experience was very fun. As a student and a future teacher, I can absolutely see the impact of using video in the classroom. It is creative and fun! I had a blast coming up with the ideas of how we were going to shoot our scenes and editing our video. And although it was tedious at times, the editing was creative. From fading scenes, to adding music in the background, I found the project to be an enjoyable experience. I look forward to applying the same experience in my own classroom. I am sure my students will enjoy it as well.