Threaded Discussion Assignment Week 1
THREADED DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT:
We will begin a threaded discussion with the topic I have posted. Click on the topic and respond to the post initially. Then, keep referring back to the thread to respond and comment on what your classmates have offered. Each of you needs to respond to at least FOUR other responses as well as your initial contribution. Let’s keep the discussion moving forward. This is an extremely critical topic that we as technology leaders must be able to articulate if we are to make technology a norm in our instructional practices.
REMINDER: When responding to someone’s post, please keep in mind expected Threaded Discussion Protocals: Allow and accept diverse perspectives, no put-downs, and no personal attacks. Each class member is a professional educator with his/her own unique experiences. These threads are for sharing what we are thinking in response to the reading. Take time to carefully articulate your thoughts before posting.
The Digital Disconnect: The Widening Gap Between Internet-Savvy Students and Their Schools
For this professional conversation and as educators who recognize the importance of infusing technology into the everday instructional experiences of students and teachers:
1. What points in this study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
3. Possible solutions
As you form your responses to the above items, how does this directly apply to your own practice? Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
The first point in the study that “hit my button” was the lack of technology training for educators or for some of them their lack of desire to get it. I use technology in my classroom each and everyday with my laptop and projector. I have volunteered to help people with using the computer and powerpoint in their classrooms but very no one has yet to take me up on my offer. A possible solution would be to show the staff a lesson using Powerpoint as well as to impress upon them how students are using technology. As I take more classes at APU I am constantly incorporating what I have learned here into my class.
My school is an example where administrators set the tone for use of the Internet at school. There is a computer lab with Internet access, but our students are supposed to be doing Successmaker while in the lab. Everything is so scripted, students aren’t given time to use the Internet except if it’s in the script! I was really glad when the Houghton Mifflin trainers recommended United Streaming at our recent training–because if it’s not in the HM holy bible, we aren’t allowed to do it in our classrooms.
In terms of the virtual metaphors, I must say that I don’t know what I’d do if I could not use the Internet for reference material. When I can get away with it, I use short video clips from the internet to build the knowledge of my students.
A solution to the problem of students not using the Internet at school is perhaps to show how encouraging Internet use could improve test scores. I also believe that more staff members–especially administrators–need to see lessons that incorporate technology and the use of the Internet before they see the value of it. We have teachers who don’t even know how to click on a link in an e-mail to get to a website!
Erin:
I totally agree with you about the lack of technology training for educators. It seems like a case of not knowing how much they don’t know. I hope I get some response when I offer short, 15 minute technology classes after school (when I’m off-track!) Frankly, I don’t know where even to begin. It’s as if we are speaking a different language when talking to teachers who are not versed in technology. Recently, I sent teachers an e-mail with a link to the most recent earthquakes in California; one asked me if there was an “easier way” to get to the website. I wonder how students must feel when their teachers know less than they do about technology.
1. What points in this study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way? I was taken by the fact that students are using the internet in diverse and helpful ways. Without the guidance or support of the schools, students have learned to use the internet in ways that are forward thinking and educationally sound. The students are preparing themselves for the future without the support of the schools!!!!
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice. Unfortunately, I have very few students in kindergarten with internet assess, but I use the internet as a reference library on almost a daily basis. Teaching the first all day kindergarten for retainees ever at my school site has had me scrambling for unique resources. I have been checking websites for worksheets, readable books and lessons reaching all of the multiple intelligences.
3. Possible solutions. The most reasonable solution is to wait until those internet saavy high school students become teachers themselves. Already, the younger teachers are beginning to teach and just naturally include and are interested in technology in their classrooms.
1. What points in this study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way? I was taken by the fact that students are using the internet in diverse and helpful ways. Without the guidance or support of the schools, students have learned to use the internet in ways that are forward thinking and educationally sound. The students are preparing themselves for the future without the support of the schools!!!!
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice. Unfortunately, I have very few students in kindergarten with internet assess, but I use the internet as a reference library on almost a daily basis. Teaching the first all day kindergarten for retainees ever at my school site has had me scrambling for unique resources. I have been checking websites for worksheets, readable books and lessons reaching all of the multiple intelligences.
3. Possible solutions. The most reasonable solution is to wait until those internet savvy high school students become teachers themselves. Already, the younger teachers are beginning to teach and just naturally include and are interested in technology in their classrooms.
Carolyn,
I have found your silver lining!!! Your kinders are using the computer lab and have a program to guide them. Our school believes kinders are too young to use the computer lab as well as first graders. Last year, I had six computers in my classroom for the students to use but it was completely up to me to find internet based games to keep them interested. We have no comprehensive program at all for teaching computer skills. Keep up the good work. You are influencing teachers!!! You have even taught a very reluctant teacher how to click on a click in an email!!!!
Erin,
Teachers are watching and learning by your example. Keep it up!! If you have not yet taken a class at APU on how to make a blog, I think that class will be helpful to you. On your blog, you can post your powerpoints for teachers at your grade level to assess. Learning how to make a powerpoint and use it in the classroom may be intimidating. Using your powerpoint is only one skill they may be more likely to try. Once teachers are assessing your powerpoints they may be interested in customizing the presentation for themselves. We all need baby steps when we try something new.
Nicol,
I like your comment about the fact that students are learning to use the Internet with or without the help of teachers. I also like your point about how younger teachers know how to use technology. Finally, we are getting some staff members on board who are interested in progress. I have to clarify that “our” students meant those at my school. My kindergartners do not as yet have access to the school’s lab. I’m going to see about getting a time to go when other classes aren’t using the computer lab; let’s hope my efforts aren’t shot down by constantly changing requirements from our district.
One of the points in the study that I found interesting was that teachers are not recognizing the way students are using the computers and the possible uses of technology for educational purposes. Many teachers believe that the best way to get a student to learn is by tapping into their interests. I just don’t think that many teachers have incorporated this idea into the use of technology. Rather computers are seen as toys like video games rather than tools. Students are already using computers as tools for research and assignments but without the guidance of a teacher, which can be frustrating. With the support of a teacher, student’s time on the Internet could be more focused and even more beneficial.
Right now I think the metaphor that bests fits my teaching would be the use of a computer as a virtual tutor or study group. I often present Powerpoints to my students that help them work on skills previously taught. My students are also on the computer daily using a computer program called Successmaker.
In the study it said that Internet use varied depending on things like the districts and states. I feel that if states, districts, and administrators supported the use of technology then we would see changes. When we have state standards for technology that become part of our core curriculum teachers will have no choice but to find ways to incorporate technology. Districts will then also be responsible for providing training and materials to teachers. Textbook companies would have to include technology based activities into the curriculum with step by step directions for teachers to follow just like we see in the other areas of study like math and language arts.
Carolyn,
It is too bad that you are not going into the computer lab and using Successmaker. We have the same program at our school and my students used it at least 2 times a week in both reading and math last year. We saw such great results from our students on the reports. I feel that it is was both a challenge and an intervention as it works at each student’s individual level. Many of my students tested out of the first reading course by the end of the year!
1. What points in the study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
The great thing is that the students both in K12 and in the college communities are finding what they need on the internet and that they are finding a personal venue of expression via e-mail contact w/ the professor and the other students. The bad thing is that some of the students feel that the school systems are too limiting and are also boring.
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
Internet as virtual locker seems to be a great idea because it reduces the backpack loads and allows access any where any time to the essentials for a continued successful college education.
3. Possible solutions
I am not sure there is a good solution other than time and technology will effect a change. In the now there are too many entrenched and passé teachers and a lack of funding to really bring education into the 21st century. I believe that the students will cycle back and some of them will become teachers and bring about a rapid change. In the mean time they’ll have us..
Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
My work at APU absolutely has changed my whole perspective on both education and the use of tech as a teaching tool. It has given a much better perspective on how to use tec and a wider range of skills to express my tech skills through student projects.
1. What points in the study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
The great thing is that the students both in K12 and in the college communities are finding what they need on the internet and that they are finding a personal venue of expression via e-mail contact w/ the professor and the other students. The bad thing is that some of the students feel that the school systems are too limiting and are also boring.
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
Internet as virtual locker seems to be a great idea because it reduces the backpack loads and allows access any where any time to the essentials for a continued successful education.
3. Possible solutions
I am not sure there is a good solution other than time and technology will effect a change. In the now there are too many entrenched and passé teachers and a lack of funding to really bring education into the 21st century. I believe that the students will cycle back and some of them will become teachers and bring about a rapid change. In the mean time they’ll have us..
Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
My work at APU absolutely has changed my whole perspective on both education and the use of tech as a teaching tool.
1. What points in the study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
The great thing is that the students both in K12 and in the college communities are finding what they need on the internet and that they are finding a personal venue of expression via e-mail contact w/ the professor and the other students. The bad thing is that some of the students feel that the school systems are too limiting and are also boring.
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
Internet as virtual locker seems to be a great idea because it reduces the backpack loads and allows access any where any time to the essentials for a continued successful education.
3. Possible solutions
I am not sure there is a good solution other than time and technology will effect a change. In the now there are too many entrenched and passé teachers and a lack of funding to really bring education into the 21st century. I believe that the students will cycle back and some of them will become teachers and bring about a rapid change. In the mean time they’ll have us..
Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
My work at APU absolutely has changed my whole perspective on both education and the use of tech as a teaching tool.
Hey all…you are all right in the funding issues that schools are hit with. I agree with most of the comments and the button that is hit is simply that training on the electronic media that is already in the classroom is scarce. I think that districts should be held responsible for enforcing a minimal amount of technologically based training for teachers. We all know that there will be those teachers that are resistant to change. But those thick heads are as resistant about technology changes as they are about most other changes that are necessary in district development. I agree with Carolyn that if teachers are forced to incorporate technology into their classrooms they will learn it and adapt to it. In addition, I think many, many, many teachers (my mom for instance as an older generation teacher) mainly need to be trained and brought up to a “broken technology” immigrant. She has limited understanding and her capacity to “get it” all is lacking but with proper training she could put her lesson plans on a word processor and she could stop writing on the overhead with a marker…I know she needs a class…but as she says how does she have time right now with all the juggling she has to do with her class load. She says that she had been trying to get the computer tech guy at her small private school to help her get some software loaded on the library system to digitalize the book check out process…lets just say it have been 2.5 years in the making. I think that the biggest thing that is needed is support…I know how many of us have asked Lance simple questions about how to hook some device up or how to use or find a piece of software system for the classroom. Where do teachers go if they aren’t in class with Lance every Monday night? Someone at the district level needs to wake up and take technology serious before teachers and students are so far behind that we are in crisis mode like the English Language Learners issues that many schools are facing.
1. First of all, I am married and have one child, a daughter. I include them briefly at first because I did choose to be a husband and father. In no ranking order, I am a member of the; City of Temecula, Citizen of the United States, American Anthropological Association, The Southwestern Anthropological Association, the Anthropological Departments of UCLA and California State University of Fullerton, various college/university alumni groups, various scholarships and honors societies, APU Graduate School of Education, the class room as a student and teacher, Calvary Chapel, California Contractor’s License Board, the SKA, the Tiger’s Den of Temecula. There are many more but an end must be drawn.
2. Community; a group that has connections based on location, biotic, behavior, belief, characteristics, or experiences.
3. Yes.
4. http://www.temecula.com/
http://www.aaanet.org
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/anthropology/swaa
http://www.anthro.ucla.edu
anthro.fullerton.edu
http://www.online.apu.edu
www3.calvarychapel.com/temeculavalley
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
http://www.ska.org
http://www.tigersden.biz
5. City of Temecula, norms through Classification by civics, recreation, entertainment; includes vending links.
American Anthropological Association, lots of links great site norms by about us and events list article and info links.
The Southwestern Anthropological Association, small cite used brief pages and pdf. norms by about us and events list
Anthropological Departments of UCLA departments, norms by people, and events.
6. Yes, I believe that at all of these sites people outside of the group would understand what the group values.
For this professional conversation and as educators who recognize the importance of infusing technology into the everday instructional experiences of students and teachers:
1. What points in the study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
The great thing is that the students both in K12 and in the college communities are finding what they need on the internet and that they are finding a personal venue of expression via e-mail contact w/ the professor and the other students. The bad thing is that some of the students feel that the school systems are too limiting and are also boring.
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
Internet as virtual locker seems to be a great idea because it reduces the backpack loads and allows access any where any time to the essentials for a continued successful education.
3. Possible solutions
I am not sure there is a good solution other than time and technology will effect a change. In the now there are too many entrenched and passé teachers and a lack of funding to really bring education into the 21st century. I believe that the students will cycle back and some of them will become teachers and bring about a rapid change. In the mean time they’ll have us..
Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
My work at APU absolutely has changed my whole perspective on both education and the use of tech as a teaching tool.
Carolyn,
It seems that your lived experience echoes what the article stated. It also seems that many k12 educators have the same problems with access to the internet and lessons that so not let the students become the pro-generators of their education. Nobody is listneing!! I really like your idea show other teachers Internet and Technology based lessons so they can see what is possible with a few well thought out key strokes.
Jeff
Jessica,
It seems that teachers are making a mistake by not recognizing the shift in the way students think and the new skills that they bring to the arena. I wonder what could be some of the ways the teachers could be coaxed to try the new technologies and to open the door of creativity for the students.
Jeff
From Jeff
1. First of all, I am married and have one child, a daughter. I include them briefly at first because I did choose to be a husband and father. In no ranking order, I am a member of the; City of Temecula, Citizen of the United States, American Anthropological Association, The Southwestern Anthropological Association, the Anthropological Departments of UCLA and California State University of Fullerton, various college/university alumni groups, various scholarships and honors societies, APU Graduate School of Education, the class room as a student and teacher, Calvary Chapel, California Contractor’s License Board, the SKA, the Tiger’s Den of Temecula. There are many more but an end must be drawn.
2. Community; a group that has connections based on location, biotic, behavior, belief, characteristics, or experiences.
3. Yes.
4. http://www.temecula.com/
http://www.aaanet.org
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/anthropology/swaa
http://www.anthro.ucla.edu
anthro.fullerton.edu
http://www.online.apu.edu
www3.calvarychapel.com/temeculavalley
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
http://www.ska.org
http://www.tigersden.biz
5. City of Temecula, norms through Classification by civics, recreation, entertainment; includes vending links.
American Anthropological Association, lots of links great site norms by about us and events list article and info links.
The Southwestern Anthropological Association, small cite used brief pages and pdf. norms by about us and events list
Anthropological Departments of UCLA departments, norms by people, and events.
6. Yes, I believe that at all of these sites people outside of the group would understand what the group values.
From Jeff
1. First of all, I am married and have one child, a daughter. I include them briefly at first because I did choose to be a husband and father. In no ranking order, I am a member of the; City of Temecula, Citizen of the United States, American Anthropological Association, The Southwestern Anthropological Association, the Anthropological Departments of UCLA and California State University of Fullerton, various college/university alumni groups, various scholarships and honors societies, APU Graduate School of Education, the class room as a student and teacher, Calvary Chapel, California Contractor’s License Board, the SKA, the Tiger’s Den of Temecula. There are many more but an end must be drawn.
2. Community; a group that has connections based on location, biotic, behavior, belief, characteristics, or experiences.
3. Yes.
4. http://www.temecula.com/- http://www.aaanet.org – http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/anthropology/swaa http://www.anthro.ucla.edu-anthro.fullerton.edu- http://www.online.apu.edu-www3.calvarychapel.com/temeculavalley-www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
http://www.ska.org-www.tigersden.biz
5. City of Temecula, norms through Classification by civics, recreation, entertainment; includes vending links.
American Anthropological Association, lots of links great site norms by about us and events list article and info links.
The Southwestern Anthropological Association, small cite used brief pages and pdf. norms by about us and events list
Anthropological Departments of UCLA departments, norms by people, and events.
6. Yes, I believe that at all of these sites people outside of the group would understand what the group values.
1. First of all, I am married and have one child, a daughter. I include them briefly at first because I did choose to be a husband and father. In no ranking order, I am a member of the; City of Temecula, Citizen of the United States, American Anthropological Association, The Southwestern Anthropological Association, the Anthropological Departments of UCLA and California State University of Fullerton, various college/university alumni groups, various scholarships and honors societies, APU Graduate School of Education, the class room as a student and teacher, Calvary Chapel, California Contractor’s License Board, the SKA, the Tiger’s Den of Temecula. There are many more but an end must be drawn.
2. Community; a group that has connections based on location, biotic, behavior, belief, characteristics, or experiences.
3. Yes.
4. http://www.temecula.com/- http://www.aaanet.org – http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/anthropology/swaa http://www.anthro.ucla.edu-anthro.fullerton.edu- http://www.online.apu.edu-www3.calvarychapel.com/temeculavalley-www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
http://www.ska.org-www.tigersden.biz
5. City of Temecula, norms through Classification by civics, recreation, entertainment; includes vending links.
American Anthropological Association, lots of links great site norms by about us and events list article and info links.
The Southwestern Anthropological Association, small cite used brief pages and pdf. norms by about us and events list
Anthropological Departments of UCLA departments, norms by people, and events.
6. Yes, I believe that at all of these sites people outside of the group would understand what the group values.
1. What points in the study “hit your button” in either a positive or negative way?
The great thing is that the students both in K12 and in the college communities are finding what they need on the internet and that they are finding a personal venue of expression via e-mail contact w/ the professor and the other students. The bad thing is that some of the students feel that the school systems are too limiting and are also boring.
2. Select one of the virtual metaphors and discuss it in relation to your own practice.
Internet as virtual locker seems to be a great idea because it reduces the backpack loads and allows access any where any time to the essentials for a continued successful education.
3. Possible solutions
I am not sure there is a good solution other than time and technology will effect a change. In the now there are too many entrenched and passé teachers and a lack of funding to really bring education into the 21st century. I believe that the students will cycle back and some of them will become teachers and bring about a rapid change. In the mean time they’ll have us..
Has your work at APU assisted you in the integration of technology into your professional work?
My work at APU absolutely has changed my whole perspective on both education and the use of tech as a teaching tool.
From: Jeff; Hi all
1. First of all, I am married and have one child, a daughter. I include them briefly at first because I did choose to be a husband and father. In no ranking order, I am a member of the; City of Temecula, Citizen of the United States, American Anthropological Association, The Southwestern Anthropological Association, the Anthropological Departments of UCLA and California State University of Fullerton, various college/university alumni groups, various scholarships and honors societies, APU Graduate School of Education, the class room as a student and teacher, Calvary Chapel, California Contractor’s License Board, the SKA, the Tiger’s Den of Temecula. There are many more but an end must be drawn.
2. Community; a group that has connections based on location, biotic, behavior, belief, characteristics, or experiences.
3. Yes.
4. http://www.temecula.com/
http://www.aaanet.org
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/anthropology/swaa
http://www.anthro.ucla.edu
anthro.fullerton.edu
http://www.online.apu.edu
www3.calvarychapel.com/temeculavalley
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/default.asp
http://www.ska.org
http://www.tigersden.biz
5. City of Temecula, norms through Classification by civics, recreation, entertainment; includes vending links.
American Anthropological Association, lots of links great site norms by about us and events list article and info links.
The Southwestern Anthropological Association, small cite used brief pages and pdf. norms by about us and events list
Anthropological Departments of UCLA departments, norms by people, and events.
6. Yes, I believe that at all of these sites people outside of the group would understand what the group values.
Carolyn,
I think it is great that your students are able to use the cmputer lab. I think students really buy into technology and seeing the reading gains is wonderful. I bet the administrators were really happy.
A point that stood out to me is the idea that students are coming in with certain expectations of how to use the internet. What is frustrating is the limitation on the students to use their skills and knowledge. We seem to put barriers around their creativity and what they can do. I relate best with the virtual textbook and library reference. I love facts and information, but I have a hard time reading a book about the topic. The internet is my personal reference to gain knowledge about any specific topic I am interested.
Some solutions to this is allowing students more freedom to create work using what they know. They can teach the class skills and tips that they discovered. In this way, the students feel empowered and valued with the knowledge they already have.
There is no question that this program has helped me intergrate technology into my classroom. Although my steps are small, they have already made a difference.
Chris,
I hate to be redundant but your observations and reactoins seem to be the same as many others; the chlidren are disnterested because they are unable to express themselves and use their god given talents(god created the internet). I likethe idea you have about letting the children teach other students the tricks…I wouldlike to be in that class. If any good tricks come your way pass athem along!
Jeff
Nicol,
I am amazed after reading your post how alike our thoughts are. You like I beleive that students have more experince outside the class room and that they will cycle into schools later and make a change. I wonder if in the now you believe that our skills can improve the students work beyond good tricks by teaching them more concise ways to so their work. I have seen many young people are talented with computers but often lack the essenitial skills like typing in the Http//:www prefix to search the direct link first eliminating a lot of the hits. What do you think?
Chris,
I agree with you on using the internet to quickly access information. Sadly, I don’t think my students come in with any technology expectations. They are surprised by my use of the computer and how I can make a cd of them reading.
The article as a whole is positive and encouraging. If 78% of students are using the Internet for school work and in depth study of a subject that is of interest to them, then the problem does not seem to be these students but the other 22%. Our duty as educators is to gain the interest of the 22% so that they can become engaged in self-study. Weekly Web assignments to encourage the use of internet research for studying and doing homework assignments.
Dolores,
I agree with you that 78% is a good number but that we still need to work to engage that other 22%. We have to find out what motivates them. Sometimes I feel like we do not have enough time or resources to give them all that they need. With that said, I am not saying we should not try but it can be difficult at points.
Jessica,
I agree that many teachers are under the misnomer that the computer and technology can only be used for games. I, like you, use the computer in my classroom to present powerpoints. The neat thing that I have come across is that using poewrpoint engages the students as well as help English language learners because I can attach a word to a picture which, if not for the computer would become very time consuming. I also agree that students are using the computers for research and I think that irritates many “old school” teachers because students are not spending endless hours in the library. Personally, I believe if you can access the information from a credible source on the internet then you should be able to use it.
Erin,
I completely agree with what you said about not having enough time or resources to give students all they need. I teach kindergarten, which means that I have half the time of a 1st-12th grade teacher. Yet it seems that I have just as much material to cover. I was just looking at my schedule trying to figure out how I could make it to the computer lab without ditching math for the day!
Erin
Many teachers feel they are already burdened with standardize testing and now to take on new technology is over whelming. They fail to realize technology can ease the stress by teaching students in the ways they learn best, hands-on and collaboration. Changing teaching methods will increase retention, learning, and test scores. It is up to the school district to hold mandatory classes in order for teachers to maintain there effectiveness in teaching students.
Carolyn
When it is not convenient to integrate the Internet into your lecture, use the class Web page or class blog to post links to the reference material and video clips. Have your students do a “content Internet search” in the form of an interactive game or puzzle. This activity can be accomplished at home or the public library. Have them e-mail you the answer to the game or puzzle.
Jessica,
There are state technology standards that are for both teachers and students.
http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html
http://cnets.iste.org/students/index.html
These are the links to the technology standards that schools
should follow.
The whole technology thing hits me because, I don’t see the same emphasis on technology in special ED classes as I see in general ED classes. I may be wrong but it seems as long as we don’t get administrators in trouble they won’t have much to say against anything we do. Use technology or don’t use it I don’t think it matters to many of them (administrators), they only want our IEP’s done on time so they won’t get chewed out.
Erin
I agree there should be some trainings on technology for teachers. To show them the advantages they can gain from technology in their classroom. When they see what they gain even the old grumpy ones will have to stop and take note.
To add to my response a possible sollution is to do trainings to help modivate teachers to use technology. When they see what advantages they gain they may be willing to try it in their classroom.
Carol
It is a good thing to have any emphasis on technology. In my school this year, the first thing my principal said was “the students are spending too much time on the computers”. In his defense I work at a non public school and the way behavior goes sometimes, some teachers use the computers to get the kids to calm down while they wait for the day to end.
Nicol
I totally agree, kids are educating themselves on the internet without the school’s help. I know this has to be true because there is little or no emphasis on special ed students and teachers to have computers or computer skills. My kids in my class are computer savvy. This is suprising to me since my kids are busy going off and stuff. but now that I think about it my kids may be computer savvy, because their teachers were trying to get through the day by letting them play games on the computer.
Jae
Amen, people like your mom and I need someone to tell us what to do and when to do it, and yes it takes people like me a while to get stuff, but if people are patient with me I’ll get it. Even with these classes I still have some issues, but eventually I’m going to get.
Chris
My students come into my class with expectations but they are about how good they are going to play the games on my computer.