Week 13, iTunes University cont.'d

This video on the "Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindset is very powerful. This study showing that people who develop their mind as a muscle, rather than as if their intelligence is already predetermined, show much better work in school, in business, and in life in general. I absolutely agree with this.
We as teachers must know and must teach our students that just because they haven't learned something yet does not mean they never will. Students need to learn that just like a baby or any other muscle, if you don't use it and exercise, then your brain will not grow. No one, particularly, students should ever need to be concerned that someone will think they are stupid or dumb just because they haven't mastered a skill yet.

Week 12, iTunes University video

I think this is an amazing resource for the classroom!!! I watched a video called "A Night in the Coral Reef" and I think that students will love it. Watching this video is so much more interesting than reading about fish in a textbook. In this video, you learn about different types of fish in the coral reef at night, particularly the predators. I got very interested in watching the video and feeling as though I was actually swimming with them! I think students will love this!

There were many types of videos on all subjects for all ages and abilities of students. Teachers can implement these videos as supplements in their lecture. I also think that all students of any age will be able to relate to these videos; they are very clear and concise.

For the coral reef video, particularly, I would able to show this video and any others I could find to let the class really experience what it would be like to spend a night in the coral reef. These videos would be great for many types of thematic units, whether it be the coral reef, rain forests, weather, and a myriad of other topics. Instead of having students read about these from a textbook with flat pictures, they can experience these subjects first-hand.

Week 9, iTunes University

Being able to use iTunes as part of a class would be completely useful as a student and a future teacher. I would love to be able to take my class with me wherever I go. I could study while I was walking between classes or eating lunch. It would also be helpful to have a detailed review of the previous class, before the next class or a test.

As a teacher, having more of a connection to my students and my students being able to have more one-on-one instruction is great. Students will be more prepared with their homework, and since I am teaching Elementary Education, parents will also be able to connect to students' work in the classroom.

Week 8, Using iPods in the Classroom

I never really considered using an iPod in the classroom, though it would be useful since most students do have them, no matter what the age. One website, Apple Education resources, has great lesson plans to get started using an iPod in the classroom. Some great ideas for elementary students were using them to listen to letter sounds and making songs for math facts. This website is

Duke University seems to be getting quite a grasp on using iPods and technology in the classroom. The students in the article seem very receptive in using them and being able to take their instruction outside of the classroom. I think this is the best reason in which to use an iPod in the classroom. Students being able to take education out of the classroom and be able to improve their studies will greatly increase student participation.