Welcome to week two. Hopefully, last week didn't scare too many people off. I know that we have a lot to cover in a short period of time, but I will do my best to ensure that you will understand each assignment and leave this class with some skills that you will actually use in the classroom!
Last week: we discussed the syllabus, got everyone passwords for the computer (well, almost everyone), and you received your first assignment: the Intro Letter. While the intro letter itself isn't that difficult, posting it on a blog might have posed a challenge for some of you. Don't worry, if you are struggling to figure out the blog, come to class early Tuesday and I will help you. Also, if you do not have a picture or know how to post it on the blog, I will help with that too. If you are able to get your blog created, don't forget to email me (through webCT) your blogger address so I can post it on the class blog. You should notice a few peers are already on the class blog.
This week: We will begin by ensuring that everyone is able to post the blog, take a look at a cool Mac application called Photobooth, then we will discuss social bookmarking, and if time permits, we'll discuss the journal requirements. Also, don't forget that you can begin your EdTechProfile assignment any time you are ready. It is something that you will be completing on your own.
What you should have for week two: Your ISTE subscription, TaskStream subscription, Gmail account, and your portable storage device.
This week's question: As I noticed that the first few postings on students blogs surrounded a love of movies, I want everyone to tell me your all-time or current favorite teacher movie. . .What makes it your favorite? To leave a comment, click on the comments section at the bottom of the post, ensure you have logged on to Google/Gmail, and type your response in the box provided. . .
See you Tuesday evening!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Week 2: Got Blog?
Posted by jheil65 at 5:32 PM
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25 comments:
My current favorite "teacher" movie that I really loved is Freedom Writers which stars Hilary Swank. A really amazing look at what one teacher did to bring the issues we will be studying together and really make a difference. I was so moved by the difference she made in her students lives and what the students had to say in their journals. I also am a fan of the "Bring It To The Line" program that was illustrated in the movie. It really helps students of different backgrounds see that they do have similiar situtions. I am also amazed that it is a true story.
Robert
I really don't have a lot of time for movies, and when I do it's whatever my boys are watching. Which is why I got a kick out of "School of Rock" (although I'm not a Jack Black fan...). Not only did the students realize their individual talents musically, but the "fake" substitute teacher realized how rewarding it is to inspire kids. Not really teacher movies, but definitely school movies, I will date myself and admitt to being a fan of "The Breakfast Club" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (anyone? anyone?)
Betsy
I am a big fan of the movie where Michelle Pfeiffer was the teacher. I don't remember the name of it, but it was very inspiring. She faced reverse-racism, because she was a white woman teacher in an inner city school. The kids assumed that she could not relate to them, nor could she teach them because they had such different backgrounds. Not only did she prove to them that her different background could be beneficial to them, but she taught the kids that they were all worthwhile and that education could be their ticket out of poverty.
Betsy, I was a big fan of the
"80's rat pack" movies.
I agree with Jyll on favorite teacher movie. It's called Dangerous Minds and I must have seen it 4 or 5 times! It's a very powerful movie if you haven't seen it. I also really like Dead Poet Society with Robin Williams. A more serious role for him, but a very, very good one.
I haven't seen that many teacher movies. But of the ones I've seen I think I like music from the heart best. It's the one where Meryll Streep develops an after school viloin program for inner city schools in New York. It's just a really sweet movie based on a true story that shows how having teachers that care about you, and fun but structured activities, can have a huge impact on yourself esteem and your ability to succeed in life. It also shows how teaching can give meaning to the teacher's life as well.
I enjoyed Mr. Holland's Opus as well as many others. One thing that is true about all the teacher movies I liked is how every teacher had the "heart" of a teacher. They didn't give up teaching even to difficult students b/c they cared. I know personally what it is to see a spark in a childs eyes when they have just learned something.
Paul
I love Finding Forrester. I really like the way it illustrates student ability to break stereotypes regarding their potential. But I think this movie also brings a different perspecitve on educators because it also illustrates how someone's biases can effect the way they approach their students. A little more of a serious movie, but still great.
One of my fovorite is also the Pfeiffer movie, "Dangerous Minds," but my favorite movie is "Stand and Deliver" with James Edward Olmos. I love these kinds of movies that portray teachers as heros who are up against major obstacles. I have an English degree, but I love movies with math and science stuff a lot too.
Like Paul, I like Mr. Holland's Opus. I love how the teacher discovers that his true passion is teaching though he thinks he's just taking the job to make ends meet and that his real passion is to compose music. I also like his legacy of affecting generations of students, because that is exactly what a great teacher will do. And finally, I love how he realizes the need to reach out to his own deaf son by learning to sign and communicate that he does in fact care/understand him. Dreyfus' character learns, evolves, and touches others lives in ways I hope I can as well.
My favorite teacher movie is "Dangerous Minds." At the time it came out, I could not imagine stepping into a teaching position like that. It was also my introduction to LouAnne Johnson, the teacher portrayed by Michele Pfeiffer. I have since read a number of Johnson's books and really admire her. I now work with students who are in the exact same situation as that movie. I often hear the song "Gangsta's Paradise" in my head as I drive in to work. I am also overwhelmed with how vulnerable they really are and how much I care about them.
Helene
for sure Summer School. I like the diverse classroom community, and the family like setting. they all come together to pass the test and how could you forget about "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"
My favorite teacher movie is Dangerous Minds. I remember watching this movie when it first came out in the early 90s. Although I was quite young when I saw this movie, it made a strong impression on me. I thought the teacher had an interesting way of engaging her students in learning. I can only hope that I will make as good a teacher as did.
I really could not think of any “teacher” movies (other then Dangerous Minds and Mr. Holland's Opus as others have suggested) but of the two I would have to say that I remember liking Mr. Holland’s Opus more. It was just very uplifting.
I am almost exclusively movie ignorant. But my favorite movie of all time is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I enjoy the scenes in school as classic examples of what not to do as a teacher..."Anyone, anyone..."
As a teacher, my favorite movie to show students is "Why Do Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry" which is a documentary about the emotional lives of animals. I am always encouraging my students consider careers in animal documentaries because there are so few good ones out there, this is one of the best I have seen.
I enjoyed Mr. Holland's Opus even though it was a tear jerker. All the teacher movies are inspiring, but my favorite is Freedom Writers. It did a good job showing how much work a teacher can put in to reach the students. Also, how passionate she was about helping the students even though her marriage was crumbling because of it. For this, I give it a notch up over dangerous minds.
One "teacher" movie that has really stuck with me, so I consider it one of my favorites is: Stand & Deliver, with Edward James Olmos. I really enjoy how the teacher reaches out to those who others had already labeled and discarded. I like how he finds ways to relate to the students to get them to learn and become excited about learning.
Interesting to me... my brother actually had the "real" Professor Escalante for a class in college.
My favorite teacher movie is Dead Poet's Society. It has been a while since I have seen it, but it has a great message and Robin Williams is one of my favorite actors. William's character had some very innovative ways of connecting with his students. I am also a big fan of the Breakfast Club. I feel that the characters are good representations of high school students and the different clicks.
Chelsea
The only teacher movie I can really remember at the moment is Kindergarten Cop, with our current Governor Arnold. I remember that movie only because watching Arnold interact with little Kindergarten kids was awesome. My favorite line would have to be It's not a tumor! I think that movie may have inspired me to be a teacher at a young age.
Although I am known for falling asleep during movies, I do have many favorite movies; however, I just can't seem to think of a favorite teacher movie at the moment...But allow me to say that Juno is one of the greatest movies I've seen in a while!!
My favorite "teacher" movie that I can remember is "Good Will Hunting" with Robin Williams and Matt Damon. I really enjoyed this movie because it shows weakness in both the educator and the student due to their pasts.
I also really enjoyed Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pfeiffer. They come from such different backgrounds and a lot of what happens in the movie reminds me about my dealings with some people in my career now. She proved to them that they could do it and little by little I can only hope that I can do the same with the people I cross.
I am with Robert on Freedom Writers. Thank you for reminding me of that movie. I loved that movie because it was based on a true story and very inspiring. I loved her dedication to her class and her hard work to make a difference in their lives.
- Maria
My favorite teacher movie is a classic..... Lean on Me. I love this movie because it just goes to show how much a part of faculty can be so influential on a students future.
My favorite "teacher" movie is School of Rock. The reason this is my favorite is because it’s a comedy, but yet it also have serious parts as well. Jack Black is a great and funny actor. Through out this movie he teaches his students about hidden talents they never knew they had. What makes him such a great teacher is, the students wanted to learn and be taught by him. He showed the students that teachers are there to help you in more then just teaching. He helped them find there inner talents and ambitions for life.
Sadaf
I thought finding forrester was great because we got to see sean connery say; "Look who's the man now dog?" Ok, without joking around, I would say my favorite teacher movie would be kindergarten cop. The governator saying it is "not a tumor" is classic. I still say that line when someone says they have a headache.
and i will have to steal another classmates answer and say that summer school is a great movie because the laid back attitude of the teacher is similiar to my approach.
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