Is it possible to achieve my dream classroom? It is possible to bring in the technologies I have referred to, albeit school districts are cutting back on teachers, courses, and equipment due to the economic slowdown. It is possible because there are foundations and other granting sources that do provide the resources to help education. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for one, provide millions of dollars to education on a lot of levels. That is just one funding source, and there are others, but first the research must be done to locate existing philanthropists and foundation sources. Two links to funding sources: a) http://www.eschoolnews.com/funding/; and b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10892464.
With some help writing a grant proposal, I believe it is possible to achieve the funding to put high-tech, student-friendly, proven quality learning equipment in my classroom.
What, if any, obstacles are in the way? As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, money is tight and schools are cutting back. What have I learned a lot in this course and much of that information and knowledge will help me...
This class won't necessarily help me get funding for technologies, but it has helped me realize that today's student is easily distracted, and keeping a firm grip on the structure of the class, keeping them alert and interested in what is being taught, is imperative to learning.
In conclusion, we future teachers need to set the bar high, learn as much as we can and put into practice those strategies and curricula that will create a desire for learning among all students. Also, I have learned that a classroom that features a culturally diverse group of students is a very positive environment -- but the challenges in terms of relating properly to the diverse cultures represented must be met with a calm, professional approach. I am willing to work hard to achieve my dream classroom.
Works Cited
eSchool News (2012). School Funding. Retrieved April 18, 2012, from http://www.eschoolnews.com/funding/.
Howell, P.L., and Miller B.B. (1997). Sources of funding for schools. PubMed. Retrieved April
19, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed/10892464.
