|
A reflection on changing times
Sixth grade teacher and technology coordinator
from Harris Middle School,
talks about how she sees technology in the classroom as a catalyst
for improvement. Technology opens up the sharing of ideas among teachers.
By Betsy Norris
|
|
 ome teachers whisper in the hallways about the differences of modern education. Some
teachers that have taught many years express their concern as to where
education is headed. "Too much to do and too little of it seems subject
oriented," they complain. They elaborate on the endless and impossible
list of daily tasks: they must instill a sense of pride in a
student's ethnicity; modify disruptive behavior, observe
students for signs of abuse; fight the war on drugs and sexually
transmitted diseases; check their backpacks for guns; and raise students'
self-esteem. They should teach patriotism, good
citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play. They are to ready students for
today's world by teaching problem solving and technology skills.
|
|
|
 hen there's another group of teachers, not whispering and muttering, but joyfully
shouting! These teachers also understand that there's much
to teach, much to share, and too little time. They
understand and appreciate the differences of today's classroom in
comparison to one of several years ago. First, they are excited about the chance
to use the many resources of the Internet to teach about diverse people,
which helps restore a sense of pride and self-worth in the minds of
diverse students. A history teacher's dream come true! These teachers also embrace the
chance to take virtual field trips, motivating students to see and
become involved in the "real life" pictures and sounds of another
country.
In addition, these teachers learn how computers can
actually help resolve discipline problems and address student issues. For
example, one such teacher requires word processing of her students' journals.
It's nothing extravagant, yet what you don't see is the Guidance Counselor
upstairs, counseling a young student for a drug problem that came to light as the
result of the daily computer journals. Some of us may not notice the slow,
maturing changes taking place in the students' lives as a result of their use of
technology. For example, the students that have an e-mail mentor are beginning to
understand tact and responsibility in their learning process.
|
|
hese teachers do
understand that by doing, seeing, and experiencing content in new ways, students benefit.
Some of these teachers have the pleasure of watching the classroom's "problem child" blossom
in front of the computer, a tool with infinite patience. Some students are in the computer
lab right now in fact, working on a presentation that will become their first
successful school experience. Students with and without disabilities,
students with attention or behavior disorders, or those who are not yet proficient
in English all benefit from the strengths of learning with technology, and help their
teachers prove that technology is a sound, educational investment. These teachers see
that students are showing up in the mornings and the afternoons to work in the computer lab.
They are choosing this -- learning -- over other neighborhood activities after school,
whether that be gangs, drugs, or just the daily dose of TV time.
|
|
|
"I hear my 'you have mail' sound and I realize some concerned parent needs me to e-mail
them their student's English grade."
|
|
 s a veteran
teacher of 20 years, I see educational changes everyday. I realize that not
all changes are good, but I know that change is a catalyst to improve. Technology
is proving to be a great catalyst. Technology has opened the doors of communication
for teachers. Teachers are sharing ideas, methods, lesson plans, tips, techniques,
and bits of personal information. Communication among teachers has never existed
like it exists today. Collaboration and communication is providing me with a portal
into the minds of great
teachers, and that gives me the opportunity to become a better teacher.
Long gone are the days of
locking up materials and hoping your cohort won't "steal" your bulletin board idea. There
are enough great ideas to go around. Who would have imagined it 10 years ago? I pass by
classrooms today, and I don't hear teachers' lectures quite so often. I see portfolio
evaluations of students on CD-ROMs. I hear sound clips of students' reports being played.
I hear students discussing their group's PowerPoint presentations. I see students
e-mailing their mentors or parents. I hear my "you have mail" sound and I realize
some concerned parent needs me to e-mail them their student's English grade. I see
and appreciate progress. I see, am motivated, and have vision for education.
|
|
|
 |
Betsy Norris is a sixth grade
teacher and technology coordinator.
Teacher Testimony authors are
nominated by people like you. Send nominations to the editor.
© 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 SCR*TEC.
This page is Bobby
Approved.
|
|
|
