Having the knowledge to use technology and the ability to use it don't always come hand in hand. Take today for example. I was preparing to teach a group of 4th graders about ballads and how they relate to stories. Because I know I have limited resources, I only planned to use a CD player and an overhead projector. Yes, an overhead projector, which sadly enough is the most technology I can typically use on a day to day basis. I don't have access to a Smart Board or an Activboard like some of my fellow teachers. Even using the overhead engages my students more because it causes them to focus on what I want them to instead of their sweet little fingers flipping from page to page to page in the book.
Back to my point. While setting up, I realized that i did not have enough working electrical outlets in my classroom nor did I have a cart to place my overhead projector on. It was only because I had extra planning time that I was able to rearrange my classroom in order to accommodate this situation. What I find frustrating is that even with the very LITTLE technology that I do have, being able to use it effectively is sometimes challenging.
As the world become more and more technologically advanced, I feel that many of our schools fall behind. Those that do have access to the latest technology are extremely lucky and it frustrates me to no end when I hear of a teacher not using it. If only I could trade places for a day!
Kim -- this is a good reflective capture of a frustrating day with technology. Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI believe that the problem is that many times schools do not provide ongoing support and maintenance for technology. More work needs to be done in the area of sound diffusion of technology into schools. Great post!