Opinion.

As far as illegal immigrants go, I feel very conflicted on the issue. I do not think that people should come to our country illegally and use our resources and tax money BUT on the other hand, I have learned in other courses how difficult it can be to obtain a visa so I can understand why a family would give up on the process or avoid it to bring their family to a better situation with more opportunities. ||
 * || Give your opinion of the Video ViewPoint Issue dealing with Robotics..……and illegals ||
 * Breit, Darin R. || This just shows that students are capable of doing whatever they want. These teachers did an amazing thing! These at-risk students were shown that learning can be fun. They don't have to make learning seem like a chore or a task that they are being forced to do. The didn't have things as easy as other students yet, they were able to pull through and complete a project they didn't think they could. The illegals could benefit our economy as well as their own lives. They could help us if our government were to help them. ||
 * Busser, Jacob L. || I think it's awesome what these kids have accomplished. The teachers did a great job in finding something to interest students and keep them in school. Giving them something fun to do while learning at the same time is very beneficial. I do believe that illegals should not be allowed the same rights as people who are here legally. There are ways to become a legal citizen in this country, and I believe that if they want to stay they should go through these steps. ||
 * Gartamaker, Kimberly K ||  ||
 * Grassel, Tyler J. || After watching this video it shows me that students are capable to do anything, the teachers are simply amazing in teaching this to these young students. The students want to learn this and not be forced in learning this kind of education. As students they had an easy time doing this but others did not have it as easy but mentally got through the assignment even though it was difficult. The illegals would really help out the economy if they would just realize it is benefitting everyone else. If the government would step in it would help everyone out tremendously. ||
 * Hanisch, Alicia T. || I think that it is pretty cool what these students overcame. They were a group of at risk learners and the teachers helped these students find something to bring them back to the classroom. The teachers clearly made a difference in these students lives by helping lay the foundations for further education. I also think that the issue of illegals is a complex issue. There are positive and negative points to both sides of the issue. The families of the children came to the U.S. knowing full well what to expect and they shouldn't expect taxpayers to give them free stuff including money for education. I think that the government should look into options we have for these kids who are illegals and who want to better themselves and help grow our nations economy. ||
 * Helling, Jason T. || This is a difficult subject. I think it is great what the teachers did to help turn these kids lives around. They found something that was interesting to the students that kept them off the streets and helped lead to the student doing better in their other courses as well. While watching the video, I can not help but feel bad for "these" students, because all of the effort and hard work they put into this. However, I do feel that if they want to be treated like any other American citizen they should go the the required steps they need to, to become legal. While I think it is GREAT what these kids have accomplished, I think they should have to pay taxes and do all of the other things a legal citizen would have to. ||
 * Hudelson, Devin T. || The students should complete the papers to be processed as a legal citizen. Having good programs, that help students enjoy learning and keep them from delinquent behavior is very important. It's not fair to other immigrants who become legal citizens if illegal aliens are given the same rights as a U.S. Citizen. ||
 * Kerkvliet, Chalsea A. || Those students have an amazing opportunity, it is too bad they aren't legal American citizens. The teacher that created that program did a very commendable job. Is there someway those students can become citizens? Then they would have the same opportunities we have. I believe it would help reduce the poverty and crime rates. ||
 * McClanahan, Clarissa J. || I think that what those teachers did to help encourage those students is great. Sometimes it takes a hands on activity like robotics for children to take and interest in school especially if school isn't viewed as cool. I do think though that if these immagrants are going to live in the US and use some of our resources like public education that they should just become legal even if it means lowering the standards for citizanship. If these students want to go to college they should be able to and there should be programs to help them afford college or get loans just like everyone else who cannot afford college. I think that if we were able to educate more immagrents there would be less crime in some of our inner cities. Those students who want to better themselves should be able to. ||
 * Olesen, Heather M. || I think that these teachers did a wonderful job in inspiring these students with robotics. These at risk students obviously found an outlet that works for them with using hands on learning. I do not feel that the illegeal students should get the same opportunities that we have though. They need to go through the channels to become American Citizens to have the opportunity to go to college. I don't feel bad for them, they should have to pay taxes like the rest of us. Why should they get an opportunity to go school for free just because they are here and want to?? ||
 * Ollerich, Julie E. || I thought this was a great story, and it's inspiring for everyone. These teachers did a great job with these at risk students, and they were able to help these students develop a sense of efficacy. These teachers helped the students to believe in themsleves, and the teachers helped these students to realize that they can achieve their goals. It is inspiring to see these students go above and beyond their normal school day by working on the underwater robotic during their free time. They also had to overcome the challenges to get the needed resources to complete this project. These students showed determination, and they should be able to attend college. While these students are illegal immigrants, they should be able to get help from our government since they will one day become productive adults in our country. I understand that many taxpaying citizens do not want to give illegal immigrants free education, but a possiblity would be for our government to give the students loans to attend college rather than scholarships or grants. The students would eventually have to pay back these loans, but they would have an opportunity for higher education. Plus, the government wouldn't be obligated to give something away for free. ||
 * O'Neill, Amanda M. || The project was a really neat idea. It's amazing what creativity can do for students. Many students struggle with math and science so this was a great way to get students interested in the subject of science and actually learn something while having fun. Another great learning experience was getting money and parts donated. It is a great skill to obtain for their future. I think it is important for the students to become legal citizens but realize that it is a long, hard process. Tax dollars of citizens should not have to subsidize those who are here illegally. Teachers should be a great resource to these students and help get them going on visas. ||
 * Poncelet, Susan M. || That was amazing. It was great to see how these kids worked together and solved the problems they came across as the competition went along. These students had so much against them from funding to time and even their language as English was their second language. They weren't legally in the country and that was something they dealt with too. The teachers gave them a chance and I think that is something that we should all as educators try for. Why not give every student we meet the chance to do whatever their mind allows? Why should we hold them back? ||
 * Rensch, Cera || This story re-energizes me in my efforts to become a teacher. The teachers involved in this story did an amazing job of finding a new and unique approach to reaching their students and making a huge difference to their students. I find this story to be more evidence that all students are capable of success if we teachers are given the opportunity to take new and provocative approaches to reaching our students in a way where we can meet them where they are. The students in this story were not expected to graduate let alone have aspirations to go on the university but two have graduated, one attends a community college, and the rest aspire to go onto university themselves. This story reminds me of "The Freedom Writers" which is what inspired my major change for elementary education to secondary education. I can only hope to be a fraction of the inspiration these teachers were but just being able to change one students life will be enough for me. ||
 * Rosberg, Brittany D. || This video pointed out some very good points. One that a great teacher who is motivated and passionate about teaching can change students lives. These students had a lot going against them in life so I feel that it is an amazing thing that the teachers showed them their true potential. The students were able to see what hard work and determination could get them. With not very much money they figured out other ways to get what they needed to build the robot, I feel that they should take that same motivation in figuring out a way to achieve college. For illegal immigrants like these boys to not go to college would be a shame, since they are smart and determined to get better for themselves. It is just another road block for undocumented students to be able to go to school, however, if there are more teacher's like the ones in the video out there I think undocumented students could gain the determination to find ways to get a college degree ||
 * Sober, Miranda L. || Not only was it discovered by a group of students, but a group of at-risk students. They provided a lot of time and effort in the idea, for example, eating lunch and working at the same time, to finish the project. The robotic object was able to overcome given tasks. There was no money, but they found a way to get donations and other help. Practicing was also limited, however, at the time of competition it was able to play its part. It may not have looked the most dazzling but was very unique.The underdog story is great! ||
 * Thompson, Colleen A. || Once again, this story points out what a good teacher is capable of. It is fantastic to see students, any students, fired up about learning, working as a team, and giving their best effort. We see that this is a group project with a real world application at the end and that not just the students but everyone around them got excited about the project. It is, however, unfortunate that these students are undocumented as it can cause many "road blocks". However, illegal status causes roadblocks in way too many areas not to be addressed. This country, essentially, was founded by immigrants but the leaders of this country knew that there had to be a working system for inclusion of these new citizens in order for this form of government to function and our country not to go broke. I am definately split on this one, because I would love to help the entire world, including underpriveleged students in Phoenix but I know that if we try to help everyone without some sort of monetary system in place to handle it...this country will go into a trillion more dollars in debt. One thing that I absolutely loved about this story is that the teachers never seemed to mention the bad (which the news team dove into) but always focused on bringing out the best in their students. It's amazing what happens when we truly "see" the person that is in front of us and then figure out what //we// can do to help - if only in a tiny way. This reminds me of a quote from Mother Theresa who said,"Do small things with great love." ||
 * Thompson, Patrice R. || This lesson crosses over into my Human Relations class and the chapter we are on also deals with how we need to help our diverse students figure out their full potential and not to play into the labels we place on these them. These teachers at this school did not play into the status of the neighborhood but helped these boys realize all that they COULD do. I lived in Phoenix for over 5 years so I know this neighborhood, I know these "illegals". These boys came with their parents and did not have a choice on their status. I think that they should maybe develop a course in high schools that could address becoming a citizen in their senior year when they turn 18. Would that help get college funds that they need? These teachers were very inspiring and it made me think of my husband who has taught "these" students before. All they need is help, encouragement, and to see they are capable of anything if they are given a chance. Teaching these students in the video how to ask for help taught them so many different valuable lessons like humility, language, and perseverance. It was a great story and one I hope we learn a lesson from no matter what school we are at or what students we have. ||
 * Trapp, Jeffrey L. || I think that it is really cool how they are using robotics. I would love to try it. It is also remarkable to see how these kids, from this neighborhood are getting better and better. It shows how inovations can insight a fire beneath students to want to learn. It is also amazing to see how they do all this with literally no money. ||
 * Vander Brink, Alisha J. || I believe that this video shows that students can achieve whatever they want to do. Not just because you are put in the at risk learners does not mean you can not achieve the unthinkable. I thought it was also very cool that those two teachers got those kids to get involved in the project and believe that they would succeed. ||
 * Willson, Todd R. || It was great for the two teachers to get those kids involved in a project that the were very interested in completing. It helped the kids stay off the streets and raised their expectations to be able to believe that they can do anything if they set their mind to it. If it can works there it can work anywhere. Great job to the school district allowing this to be done. ||
 * Wilson, Alisha N. || I really enjoyed this video because it sends such a positive message. I think it is so important for people to realize that their circumstances do not define them and that people have the ability to overcome odds not in their favor. I also appreciated that the teachers found a way to educate their students that did not require lecture but rather an activity that was hands on and that truly interested the students.