Thing #14

I'm just overwhelmed by what all is available out there on-line for all to use!  The abundance of videos is amazing.  I'm planning on using the videos to re-teach lessons to kids that missed class or kids that didn't understand it the first time.  We are in the middle of a unit on Trigonometry in my FST class and I had 2 kids miss a whole week due to family vacations.  Needless to say, they are extrememly behind!  I work part time and so they must meet with me in the morning if they want help.  The on-line videos that I have looked at would be a great way for them to do some at home learning on the material they missed.  I always ask them to get notes from someone that was in class before they come and work with me, but this would be WAY better.  There are so many great math videos that I had a hard time picking one to include.  I am including a trigonometry lesson from the Khanacademy.  http://screencast.com/t/xxItiqaWma7z   I am not sure exactly how I will use the video instruction in my classes.  I am thinking about having them watch a topic relavant video before I teach a lesson... what a great way to have some prior knowledge!  Of course, the other option is to have them watch the video if they are struggling with the material after I taught the lesson.  Seeing it a second time and maybe just being in their own environment will help them.  My son always complains about his teacher having too much going on and he doesn't know what to write down.  I think if there was a video about the subject that he could watch later, he would be more relaxed in class and better learn the material.  This will definitely be a great way for us as educators to see how self-driven our student can be.  I've got to say that the best feature of the videos out there is simply the ability to watch it where and when you want!

I do believe that if a teacher has the ability to use a video resource compared to an audio resource, that's the way to go.  I am a very visual learner and if I have lesson to follow and listen to, I will be able to learn much better than just having an audio file to listen to.  I do like to listen to books in the car and if you can focus on listening, it is very entertaining and can be very educational.  Certain students may do well, listening and thus taking their own notes.  I also do enjoy following along in a book while listening to an audio file.