Discussion Board Posts (3)

Recall an experience in which your teacher/professor modified instruction or

assessment to met your personal interests or needs. Did the modification actually help?
If not, what would have helped?

I have had many amazing teachers who have helped me tremendously throughout my
lifetime. Sometimes things come up and you are unable to attend class or complete an
assignment, it happens to the best of us. I can think of a few times where
accommodations or modifications were made that really helped me. The most recent
time I can think of is a time last year where I had to fly back home for a funeral and I
was supposed to give a speech the day that my flight was scheduled for. I was so
stressed out about this and was really worried about what would happen. I ended up
talking with my professor and he gave me a few options that I was very thankful for. The
first was to record me giving my speech to a few family members or if I wanted to wait
until I got back home I could give my speech to the class. I ended up choosing the first
option because I knew it would be less stressful to say to my family rather than peers.
Another time I can think about would be a few instances where I wouldn't finish a test or
quiz on time and was provided extra time to complete it. Sometimes modifications are
necessary and it is definitely appreciated.

4. To what extent should visual and performing arts (also known as VAPA: music, art,
dance) be required in schools? Why do you think this? What would be a
counterargument to your original argument?

I believe that visual performing arts classes should be required in all kindergarten
through 12th grade schools. I think that these courses are extremely important for
everyone's creative side of the brain. Some children don't show their strong suits in
math or english however it amazes me that some can truly excel at this. I also struggled
with math but I was always drawn to art. I used to always look forward to having art for
the week in elementary school and I really can't Imagine my academic life without it. Art
gives you a chance to escape. Also being able to take a break from class work to
dance, draw, etc is always a relief. A counter argument for this could be that these
activities could be done outside of school as extracurriculars instead of taking up time
for academics for the entire day. However I believe this would increase the stress on
many students who use the time to escape and express themselves through art and
dance.
I personally think that the use of educational technology is amazing. I think that students
should be allowed to use their own devices in school but to an extent, if they are using it
in the classroom should be supervised, and use it only for scholarly purposes. However
if it is outside of the classroom during lunch or their recesses I think they should have to
leave it in the classroom to prevent it from getting damaged or stolen if this is for the
elementary aged students. I think that they should be one to one if this option is
available, but if not I think sharing with one partner is not an issue. I believe that digital
literacy should be imbedded in the curriculum since it is so important and is becoming
much more common now. I also think that we should fund the costs for these devices
but not the repairs, that should be on the students. In regards to teachers assigning
homework that requires the internet I think that would be fine. The topic of cyberbullying
is very important and I think there should be an assembly to discuss it and explain to the
children why this is unacceptable. I honestly am not sure the extent classes should be
automated. I think there is always going to be a need for teachers but for specialized
one on one instruction the use of the computer is an excellent tool. Technology is such
an amazing thing and I believe that most students by the time they graduate high school
should be very skilled at utilizing their computers.