Technology In My Placement

One of our assignments in our Tech Ed class was to assess the technology available to us and our students at our placement. We were required to do some research and then we posted our findings to a collaborative survey, viewed the results, and had a class discussion.

This was probably one of the easiest assignments I have ever had in bad way. There just was not much to research. My school has no technology specialist and limited technology. We do have computers and projectors in the classroom, but the internet is difficult to access outside of the computer lab ( at least in my classroom). Additionally, we still have good ole chalkboards!

What I found during the  research process was not surprising to me as I experience this every day. What was surprising, though, was seeing the results from the rest of the placements. Many schools had smart boards and tablets. Of course, I expected there to be some differences between schools, but the differences were astounding. My school was clearly the least equipped in terms of technology. The frustrating part was hearing how some schools were planning on ordering more tablets while my school cannot even afford whiteboards. The discrepancy in available technology across schools is staggering and somewhat shameful.

Though it is frustrating to see other schools have an abundance of resources that my students do not have access to, I think there is a silver lining to be found. While it is true that I cannot access some of the really cool resources that we talk about in class, I am forced to be creative. The situation challenges me to find ways to make learning fun without these tech devices. I definitely spend a lot of time pondering how to do this, but, in the end, I believe it makes me more thorough and results in more well thought-out lesson plans. Indeed, it certainly forces me to be prepared! There is nothing worse than coming to school with the plan to show a movie and the internet is down.When this happens i is just me, the chalkboard, and twenty mischievous eyes waiting to see what I will do.

I do not need to tell anyone that technology has its perks. It can be a great resource and an aid to learning - but so can creativity. It can be a powerful experience for students to to create something with just an idea and classroom items. I hope my school will eventually have the best of both worlds, but in the meantime we accept the challenge!

Fine "Theune"-ing Education: David Theune's Teaching Philosophy

David Theune is the man for two reasons. First, he managed to hold my attention for an hour and a half  after a 14-hour day- something I believed to be impossible. Second, he is an education superhero. His philosophy on education can be summed up in his own words:

 "Be the Inspiration, Not the Information." 

This profound statement resonated with me especially because it is something I have been struggling with at my placement. How do I convince my students to engage when all the information they can possibly want is at their fingertips? I think this is my answer. They might be able to Google facts, but Google has nothing on me when it comes to the experience of learning! I can be the inspiration - Challenge accepted!

In addition to altering my entire perspective of my role as a teacher, Theune shared some other practical ideas that he used in his classroom (he is seriously my hero!). First, Theune stressed the importance of giving students an audience. I think this is a fantastic motivator. It gives students a purpose for their work and a chance to be proud of what they have accomplished. Being the superhero teacher that he is, Theune had his students use their work to help out a local non-profit. Second, he invited the parents into the classroom. This not only provided the students with the most caring audience they will ever have, but it fostered parent involvement in the students' academic life. Brilliant, brilliant ideas. 

All I have to say is: David Theune. Look him up. Visit his blog.