A DVD Player and TV of Our Own...

My Students: Imagine finding the perfect film, movie, or music video to show your students, one that helps them make critical connections between their lives and the material you are teach...

My Project: I often find parts of movies or music videos that I would like to show my Global History class--for example showing them the symbolism in Rocky IV when discussing the Cold War... more»

My Students: Imagine finding the perfect film, movie, or music video to show your students, one that helps them make critical connections between their lives and the material you are teaching. Then imagine not being able to show it because the ONE working TV and DVD player is being used.

I co-teach ninth through twelfth grade history to both special education and general education students. My students are energetic and outgoing---and visual. I am always looking for ways to reach all types of learners. My school administration is great at providing resources for the classroom when money is available. Unfortunately, there is no extra money these days.

My Project: I often find parts of movies or music videos that I would like to show my Global History class--for example showing them the symbolism in Rocky IV when discussing the Cold War, showing parts of Great Debaters in my Debate class to underscore the importance of counter arguments, and showing my advisory videos on identity and teen issues. Having the ability to show movies and media on a whim would be amazing. Currently we have to sign up for equipment, then hope it works. More often than not precious prep time is spent looking for cable cords or tracking down which of our 32 teachers had the DVD cart last. To show a five minute clip that would highlight the lesson turns into an excruciating task--not to mention that you might be taking the cart away from someone else who needs it as well.

My lessons and my students learning would be greatly enhanced by the addition of this equipment. With visual aides I can reach more students. Suppose I show "The Great Debaters" and as a result one of my kids becomes interested in Debate? in Law? in Teaching? I sincerely believe that one great lesson can change a life--Will you help me make my lessons great? hide»