Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Module 5 Blog
When implementing new technology in a work setting one is often faced with many reluctant employees. People who have been doing the same thing year after year, are stuck in their ways of doing things and are not open for any type of change. I have seen this very situation occur this year at my school. We are in a very low socio- economic area with poverty ridden families so it is very rare that are school receives any extra funding for anything new. However we recently received a technology grant in which the board chose to purchase SMART tables for the Kindergarten classrooms. Keep in mind that these wonderful tools cost over seven thousand dollars a piece. The Kindergarten teacher I work with has yet to turn hers on for her children to use. This tool is one of the most innovative things I have seen in the education field. The teacher can load different games according to the subject being taught and the kids can interact with the content on this interactive touch screen table. However she refuses to use hers and will not let anyone help her learn how to use it. I just feel that this hurts the students because they are missing out on something that is very engaging and would help them learn in an interactive manner.
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Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI agree this is not only a waste of costly technology tool, but a disservice to the students and community. Our 6yr old teacher uses her smartboard daily, the students all get an opportunity to play some interactive learning objective each day. The kids who are techy, like our little one, helps other children who are not as techy to get up to speed.
Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
Hello Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI understand your concern. A couple of years back, my school district trained math teacher in how to use and implement the TI-Navigator system and graphic calculators. This technology would help create interactive lessons and motivate students to participate in the learning process. Some teachers refused to incorporate this technology because they felt uncomfortable and afraid to lose control of the class. Some of this technology was put away because the district and schools did not provide maintenance for this technology and training for new teachers.
Andres Anzaldua
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI would like to say "Oh, my!" about your situation, but sadly, I have to admit that this type of stuff happens everyday in education. Some teachers are absolutely absurd with how they choose to handle things in and outside of their classroom. In my opinion, teachers, like the one you just described, should be easier to fire. However, how could the ARCS model have helped you in this situation? Would it have helped? Regardless, you are doing a great job and keep up the good work.
Elizabeth