Throughout history we’ve watched the business world become more efficient and streamlined with the use of technology, yet schools lag behind. Teachers’ challenges just seem to increase and complications augment as we deal with issues of accountability, governance, families, testing, discipline and even safety. Schools are looked upon as being outside the progressions of the rest of the world, the “real” world. In that world, when over-mechanization leaves people weak, somebody invents yet another machine to exercise us and push us back into ideal condition. Teachers must be inventive to stay strong and in condition as well. I’m doing something about that this New Year! I’m toasting technology and I invite you to join me.
You know that technology is growing exponentially outside the classroom walls. A few short years ago, it was enough to have on your I-Pod some of the same popular songs as your students. Now we marvel at the speed and advancement of information exposure in kids’ lives, a lot of which is absent from our own. Technology molds everything today! But how do we separate the meat from the fluff? And, am I the only one feeling a bit left behind? You can probably FB or tweet me a response. So, to toast tech, here are my resolutions:
This New Year I resolve to learn new skills in order to tech up. I can be an outstanding educator only if I engage in serious learning, develop in meaningful ways and become better at disseminating knowledge practically. Yes, I mean by learning some appropriate new technology, by promoting STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and by paying more attention to what people do – technologically – outside of school! After I learn I’m actually going to use my new tech knowledge in class, not just in a fun-cutesy way but in practical, beneficial ways. I want to keep up with the world inhabited by my students (someone get me a double espresso, please)! I’ll have to take small steps what with district budget constraints and all. Plus, I don’t want to be some midnight tech junkie; I just want to solve a problem or two!
This New Year I resolve to ask for help from those knowledgeable and kind souls around me. There is a wealth of untapped intelligence and energy in our profession. At every school, it’s easy to determine who is bright, who’s creative and who maintains hope among us, yet we don’t seek out those with such desirable qualities to mentor us or stoke us up nearly often enough. Who wants to pick the brain of the ‘techie’ teacher but doesn’t want to look incompetent (perhaps you ARE the ‘techie’ teacher so good for you – will you please help me solve one little issue on my new MOBI device???)? We can help each other most. We are familiar with our needs. We know more about learning new things than anybody! We must have faith in ourselves, take a little risk and utilize the collective expertise around us. If I need support, I’m going to ask for it (but not during lunch, I promise). And I will “hold the mouse.”
Will carrying out these resolutions make my job easier? No. So much new learning to do-so little time! Will my teaching get better? Yes, I’m pretty sure my classroom will become a more dynamic part of the real world (hopefully sooner rather than later). And finally, is this all REALLY necessary? Oh, ya. I’m betting my professional life on it. Cheers!
Happy New Year and Thanks for Reading,
Monica Sherwin
Ormond Beach
Kim Mogilevsky
