Realizing
the Promise of Technology
I
enjoyed reading this article. There was a lot of information that
my district needs to know about reform. The first page made a comment
that seemed to describe my district. We are "typically driven by
the question of how in improve the effectiveness of what schools are already
doing-not how to transform what school do." We don't do everything
wrong, but there are definitely areas for improvement. We have been
given the opportunities to choose our our computer programs, but many teachers
don't take advantage of the ability. As the building tech representative,
I have tried to choose programs that I think will be used. I know
I'm guilty of choosing programs that may just be alternatives to workbooks.
These programs are the ones that I can see the other teachers using.
When I choose the software for my room, I have also looked for programs
that will allow students to use technology in projects and to enhance their
learning. For example, I have a lot of reference programs as
well as some programs that help to create an end project such as a timeline.
My district is deficient
when it comes to equity. The three large buildings (K-6) and the
junior high have fast computers, a network, and Internet connections on
every computer. Two small buildings (K-3) have never been upgraded
from their original 286s. This has caused a lot of friction in the
district and has caused a lot of students to miss out on using technology
to its greatest ability.
My
district is also deficient in professional development. We don't
seem to have workshops for technology unless there happens to be funds
from a grant. The district doesn't seem to listen to the few of us
who say more teachers need training. The also don't realize that
these few could also be training the other teachers given the opportunity.
I do know the administration knows that workshops from within are cheaper
than bringing in someone from the outside.
Technical support seems
to have its ups and downs. I am the technical support in my building.
Most teachers are beginning to realize that I cannot just leave my class
at any given moment to help in their rooms. I have noticed that some
teachers are also becoming more familiar with the common problems and able
to take care of them without me.
I really liked the idea
of designing curricula and creating technology based projects with a team.
I am going to be teaching with a new fourth grade teacher this year.
When she taught third we worked well together. Maybe now we can do
some team planning on the same grade level. It would be great if
we could train our fourth graders on a program like HyperStudio or Netscape
and then invite the third graders over from our feeder school to learn
from the fourth graders.
During the video, I wondered if the project was similar to Chick Scope at U of I? It was fun to see the children so excited about something. That is when teaching is the best! At first I really questioned taking the time for students to create their own rubrics, then I realized that at the beginning of the year, my students create the classroom rooms. What a powerful exercise! Creating their own method of grading must me very similar. I wonder how much time it takes preparing the students to create the rubrics?
Something that I was glad, although surprised, was included was the fact that when the boys didn't find a wasp, they were upset. It was very realistic. It seems that in many of the articles that we have read, the students are perfect. It was good to see children react as they would in my classroom.
Video #5. Opening Schools For the Entire CommunityAs I see these community center schools, I think they make a lot of sense, but I have some questions. Because the schools are open so much longer, would taxes go up? More personal would have to be available for supervision and cleaning, etc. Also what about insurance? A few years ago I wanted to use my school's gym for a woman's club Christmas party for their kids. The district wouldn't allow it because of insurance problems, even though the club has its own insurance. The same question comes to mind though when I see the out of control girl and boy scouts meet in the school in the evenings.
Back to the assignment page.