Opinion.....

Here
 * || Give your opinion of the Video ViewPoint Issue dealing with Robotics..……and illegals ||
 * Bingaman, Tracy A. || I think it's a great idea to have students do something like the Robotics project. Some students are hands on and have a hard time learning stuff out of a book. To build something like that they were able to take something off a page and make it into something real. It's a great way for a person like that to learn and the skills they learned from doing that, they can take with them for the rest of their lives. They have something that they can put down on a resume that I am Sure will impress an employer. Now when it comes to illegal immigrants I can understand why Arizona doesn't want to help the illegal immigrants pay for college. I now I have personally given the government a lot of money in taxes and I really don't want to dish out any more money when they haven't paid any taxes. My parents/grandparents are in a round about way helping to pay for my college through paying their taxes. So I have a hard time giving out free money to someone who has not worked for it. I think it would be better to make them citizens though and have them pay taxes, then they could get in-state tuition. ||
 * Ericsson, Kristen K. || I agree with many of my classmates when I say that the Robotics project is a great way to get kids interested in academics. I think that allowing students to apply their knowledge to hands-on experiences helps them understand WHY they are learning, and how they will use the information in real-life situations. Sometimes I think that part of education is lost, and integrating projects like Robotics can help bring back enthusiasm for learning. Whether students are at-risk or not, I think it's a great concept that teachers can use in the classroom.

Regarding the fact that the students were illegal immigrants, I can't comment on whether they should or shouldn't be able to go to college. I understand the fact that they don't qualify for financial aid, but the kids can pay their money for colleges and universities just as one of the students did in the video. However, I think the issue goes way deeper than "they don't pay taxes, therefore they shouldn't get to go to school" or "everyone should get an opportunity to learn, illegal or not." Our government is failing in the area of public education, and many other areas for that matter. I feel that my tax dollars are getting wasted on MANY other things, and I won't blame illegal immigrants for the government's problems. The issue of illegal immigrants is only a small part of a big problem in our country... when we rid ourselves of the greed, I think our system will be much more functional. || As for them being illegal immigrants, I think it is a bit unfortunate. I can understand both sides of the argument. I wish these kids could go to college and continue to learn and cultivate their knowlegde. It is a shame that children who show great potential and a desire to learn can be refused that oppertunity. I thought that the legislation in the veiw point was a good idea, helping those who want to be successful. ||
 * Evelsizer, Ross J. ||  ||
 * Geistfeld, Matthew J. || I believe that a club, such as the robotics club in the view point, is a fantastic way for students to stay interested in learning. As I said in my other opinion, learning can only continue while the desire is there. Promoting that desire thourgh clubs and activities is a great way for students to want to continue to go to school and learn. You can see how these kids wanted to learn about everything that went on with the robot and that is not just something that can be done without a desire for knowledge.
 * Gloede, Gina A. || I think it is absolutely wonderful that a school full of ESL students and students who come from low SES can have so much success in a robotics club/school in general. I was very surprised that the school had a graduation rate of 70% since the school population came from rough neighborhoods, low SES, and ESL homes. I also think it is great that the teachers at this school are so willing to work with these students so that they have the opportunity to succeed in school. It is amazing to see students give up their lunch time to go into the robotics shop to work on a underwater robot. I was very excited that the students got to go to competitions where they competed with college students. I think this video is a great representation of how teachers should motivate and teach their students.

To add about these students getting funds to attend college, I think that all students no matter if they are legal or should should be able to attend a setting to achieve a postsecondary education. If these students have the grades and determination, then they should be able to go for it. Just think, universities let legal students in their schools and they get 1.0 GPAs due to partying, not caring, or because their parents are paying for their education. If these kind of students are allowed to get financial aid, then so should students who deserve the right to be in college. ||
 * Ihler, Michael D. || I like the idea that they had of setting up a robotics club. It seemed to really keep the kids interested in academics. This could be a big step for students that want to be engineers. The students in the video found something that they were really interested in. I would definately say they exceeded expectations by competing with MIT and other colleges. I know I was surprised. I am glad that this project has helped students want to further their education by going to college. However as far as helping them out with paying for school, I am not really sure of a good solution. ||
 * Medill, Amber L. || I think the idea of having a club to get kids interested in Science is a great idea. They are able to learn valuable ideas while they are still having fun and interacting in a healthy competition. This is a hard agrument to side with. I would like to know what it takes to be a 'documented immigrant'. I'm concerned on why these immigrants are not following through with this. If these parents can see their childrens talent and really want to benefit our economy they should take the steps into being a legal immigrant. Of course I do not know the regulations for this so it may be harder than it seems. If there is a reason why these people not becoming legal and if there is a bunch of financial aid going to waste, then we should definately be helping these kids out. We spend thousands of dollars on people from different countrys all the time to help them out and sometimes don't recieve things in return. I think we could afford to help out these kids that in the long run are going to return the favor by helping our economy. One idea would be maybe offering them student aid if they are showing that they are in the process of becoming legal. ||
 * Michel, Casey R. || First off, I love the idea of setting up something like a robotics club to get kids excited about school and encouraged to keep attending and trying as opposed to letting them fall through the cracks and drop out. Ideas like this that keep students interested in school and peak interest are always good for the schools and the students. As far as providing funding for students who aren't legal Americans, I was initially against it thinking that if they're not American, they shouldn't be using American money for school. However, after listening to the stat that countries like India graduate 400,000 engineers a year as opposed to around 62,000 in America, my stance has changed a little. I feel that funding should be provided for these students, PROVIDED they stay in America for a certain number of years to benefit America as opposed to taking their education to another country and benefitting them. If America is going to invest money in 'non-Americans', then they should expect to get something in return. By keeping these people working and producing in America for a certain amount of years, it would justify America providing the funds to further their education. ||
 * Miller, Ashley M. || This was a great story about the rewards of hardwork will have benefits in the end. If all students not just the underprivlaged were givien the chances to be part of learning in a hands on way, there would be more of an excitement to learn in the classroom. It is unfortunate that the students were not legalized immigrants, but there efforts of wanting to learn and get an education at the college level, should be looked at and possibly make exceptions for circumstances like these. ||
 * Neiman, Leslie E. ||  ||
 * Reiss, Anthony J. || We should all have a healthy fear of robots. If we are not careful, robots will one day become self aware. If you don't believe me check out //Terminator// or //The Matrix.//

I think that it is an amazing feat for high school students to place so high at a competition that included MIT. A round of hearty applause is certainly in order.

I don't think that this is the proper forum for a discussion on U.S. immigration policy. || The illegal situation is unfortunate but I do see the points made by the (R) politician there must be consequences for the parents actions, unfortunate for the children. There should be more programs out there though for undocumented students, for promising kids with high future aspirations and potential that meet certain grade requirements. || I commend those teachers for thinking outside of the box and taking an interest in these kids by providing them with a different way of learning. Many teachers and students could learn a lot from this video! I loved the statement that the one teacher made, "It's not what you learn, it's knowing that you can learn anything you want." || I think that it's a sad end to such a good story, I think that they should be allowed to go to college even though they don't have the correct documents. This country I believe needs to have a program that helps these kids to enter college or helps them to get the proper documentation so that they can become residents of this country. || Why should illegals be eligible for finantial aid? Do they pay taxes?? No they don't. They shouldn't be allowed in the country yet alone attend school if they are not registered. There are plenty of tax paying, American citizens who would be more than happy to use that financial aid for thier own children. ||
 * Roeder, Joseph D. || I think that the competition was great for the students, and the teachers had it right going in that it was a win win situation. It is always nice when you are able to compete with more knowledge and experienced people because you are able to learn the most.
 * Shull, Mary-Lyn || I think that what they did in the video was a great idea. It got students involved and eager to learn. Their achievements and knowledge are overbearing and outstanding. I don't think it really matters where you come from, as long as you have the desire and passion for something you are going to succeed. As far as them being illegal immigrants I honestly think everyone should have a fair chance, especially if they've worked as hard as those kids have. Like one of the kids in the video said, they do all the jobs that nobody else wants and at the same time they help the economy but nobody gives them the opportunity to have help with gaining a higher education. I honestly think they deserve at least a little help achieving their goals of a higher education. ||
 * Stricherz, Abby R. || This is an interesting story about a group of students that were not very likely to succeed in school, but when they found something that was of interest to then they not only succeeded but overcame the odds. It is surprising to me to see that a group of kids changed so much because they found something interesting to them. When the student built their robot and won the competition for that they were rewarded with educational opportunities. I thought this was a good point because I do not think that someone should just be given something for reasons other than that they deserved it. All of the students in this particular group were illegal immigrants, which is an issue when it comes to giving them scholarships and other financial issues when it comes to post-secondary education. They worked for their prize and I think they should receive their prize. ||
 * Tvedt, Ryan W. || That was a great underdog story, however, I am sure there are some Americans, at-risk or not, that would benefit from the resources that were provided to them. Don't get me wrong, I am all for helping those in need, whether or not they are American. However, I think we need to keep it in context. Do we really need to be investing our resources in illegal immigrants competing against MIT? Perhaps a good solid American education would be good enough for non-Americans and hopefully they, like I am along with most other college students, can work their way through a better education. There is "lending a helping hand to someone in need", and then there is "giving them a step up in life". How many of you would like your kids or your neighbor's kids to have those resources used on their education? Let's "lend a helping hand" to those immigrants, but let's be careful not to "give them a step up in life" that is higher than what we provide our own fellow Americans. ||
 * Van Stedum, Ann || I found the video to be very interesting and inspiring. It amazes me that those kids were able to overcome adversity and do so well in the national contest. They should be very proud! I was surprised to hear that 65,000 undocumented immigrants graduate from high schools each year. The video talked about the parents and the choice that they made to come to America, but these kids didn't choose. Now they are here and would like to have the same opportunities as American kids. I think that they should be given every opportunity to attend public universities. One student in the video stated that to be an American means to try and do something for the economy. These kids are hoping for that opportunity. What can America do to help them?
 * VanKekerix, Erin M. || I think that this was a great idea to let these kids do something that they probably would have never participated in if it wasn't for those teachers. These teachers are a good example of what I want to strive to be when I get out of college. This is a great learning experience for these kids and shows them that they can do anything they want to in life.
 * Wald, Timothy J. || I think it is a great idea to start different clubs that motivate students to get excited about learning. There should be more of such clubs in every district. I do think there needs to be finantial compesation to the teacher who organizes it, however.
 * Whitney, Megan P. || The issue faced in this video was should these students be allowed to get financial support to attend college or other means of education after high school if they were not legal or registered Americans. I feel that if any student, legal or not, wants to continue their education to further themselves in this life and by doing so giving themselves a better chance for success then they should be given the chance to try. Every year I hear about millions of dollars in financial aid that goes unused. Why can’t these students have it? If they are allowed to go to American public schools then why can’t they become eligible for finical aid? Public schools are federally funded so I really see no reason why these students would be denied federal financial aid. This was an amazing story of determination and one that I was glad to listen to and in the end I was very happy for the high school team and students. ||
 * Wilson, Vanessa R. || This video is a startlingly effective model of the impact that hands on learning can have on learners. So often students find themselves in the rut of repetition and regurgitation. Organizations like Robotics clubs and teachers like those featured in the video are, in my opinion, the next phase in American education. Hands on learning and doing rather than watching will shape the future of our nation.

In regard to the "illegal immigration" issue. I'd like to simply state that we are a nation made of immigrants and perhaps those who place themselves and their nationality/culture above others and cannot see the value that students such as these robotics boys need to take a moment of reflection. Our greatest asset as a nation is the strength of our people. To claim 'law' as an opportunity to exercise prejudice is not only inexcusable, it is debilitating to our future. ||
 * Wilts, Ashley J. || This video was a perfect example of how teachers need to be using fun and interesting ways to engage their students in their learning. I've been studying the Native American culture and how minority cultures have to find ways in which they fit into mainstream culture. I feel that this falls under all minority groups. Some students find it easy to do and others have difficulty, but as teachers and role models I find that it is our responsibility to help our students bridge the gap between the two worlds. That's why I found this video to be inspiring. These teachers found a subject that their minority group of students enjoyed and helped them to find a way to challenge themselves. Students just need someone to believe in them and from there many things can happen. And in this case, for these kids, it did happen.

On another issue I found it to be completely unfortunate that these students, who have the potential to be smarter than any other student, could not receive financial aid because they are not registed immigrants. I believe that there is a difference between unregistered immigrants who make something of their life in America and those who don't. In this case, these students were making something of their life here and wanted to give back to our country. It's unfortunate that people can't realize that. ||