Technology, technology, technology! Sounds like an amazing word, right? Well, I have been faced with many problems in my research because of the one thing I have depended on. More than once, or twice, or even three times that I have planned to use powerpoint or the internet I have come upon issues.
There are points within the day that the internet will not work, or it decides what computer it would like to work on. Also, when I created lessons when a substitute teacher was present I did not have the lesson converted into the '93 version of word, therefore, the compuer I had to borrow from the school was not compatible with my lesson. (This has happened atleast two times) Thank God for printers and quick thinking!
Technology is always changing! For the better...we think. I received a brand new laptop for a birthday present and thought wow I do not have to worry if Mrs. Blickenstaff is absent or the computer I had borrowed died. I would be prepared. Well, one day I hit another road block. I was setting my laptop on the cart to connect to the projector and I realized it would not work. The projector, and most connectors, have cables with prongs beside the plug in where you screw them into the laptop. My laptop had no holes! I was unable to use the projector because I had no way to plug the cable in.
Finally, the mimeo and the clickers. We were so excited when we finally got our white board to use the mimeo. Well, it is constantly falling off the board and needing callobrated. This isn't a big deal; it can be fixed. The problem we have is the internet. Without the internet properly working, most of my lesson ideas failed.
The CPS clicker system is loved by the students and is a great way for me to review with them. There are points in time, however, when the system decides it does not want to work. The clickers will not recognize the system and in turn will fail to select the letter students choose, or fail to send their responses to the computer.
I have lost count of how many lessons I have learned this semester, but a big one is to have a backup! Whenever technology is used in the classroom preparation should be done in case it does not work out.
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Well, I feel like I need to start with a confession. So, far this year I have missed 5 days. Unfortunately, our household has battled strep throat, stomach flu, and asthma/breathing issues. It hasn't been a healthy start. However, that's what happens when you have a 5 and 7 year old that attend different schools and daycares. Germs from all 3 places "found" us:( Henceforth, I feel bad for Kimberly who has had to deal with substitutes during those times. Yet, I am positive it has been a "real world" - continuous learning experience at Watson. Actually, I've learned/dealt with more in the 2years that I have been there, than I dealt with for 15 years in another school.
ReplyDeleteEvery morning I walk into Stephanie's room and look toward the back and there you are Kimberly diligently writing on the board. I can see so many things that we will miss as we prepare you to go on. I can tell what a great educator you will be by reading the blogs and watching you as you strive to be the best. Keep on time is passing fast and this year will soon be a distant memory. Enjoy the children as one day they may appear again. You never know because this is a small world.
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