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| Photocredit: Gwyneth Jones-- http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/ |
First, one of the iPads wouldn't load the app. Reset and we were on our way. Then the realization hit us (the fearless librarian and I) that every student would have to set up an account. This was a surprise since most apps allow the teacher to hold the account and then add the students to that account.
In addition to all this confusion, whenever we tried to set up a different account, the iPad insisted on thinking for us and just sent us back to square one--because WE were obviously confused.
Have you ever been there?
There is a word that this type of experience can easily create: Technofear: The fear of using technological devices such as computers. Definition
While this generation has no fear of using technology, teaching with it can be more intimidating! Sitting at home and getting stuck trying to figure a computer glitch is one thing; watching a classroom full of students dissolve into chaos while you try to figure it out is quite another. Fortunately in this situation, there were two of us and while one "figured it out" the other moved on to another part of the project. Plan B!!!!
That is the key to it, you know. Always have a Plan B in the back of your head! As you write your plans, think: "How will I do this if the technology doesn't work?" It is just good teaching. Before technology, I often began to write on the white board and discovered that every marker had died. Plan B! These things happen all the time.
I loved the librarian's attitude! "You can blog about this is you want to. These things happen when you try to use technology." That is exactly right. If you don't step out and use technology--well then, nothing can go wrong with it. That is why so many teacher observation evaluations now have "use of technology" included. No one wants to have a lesson go south and get a bad evaluation because technology was voluntarily added!
Think about this while planning lessons! Be FEARLESS super teachers!
*Teacher Librarians roles in the schools are changing! "Our essential functions as Teacher - Librarians are to provide information and technology instruction, reading advocacy, and information management." Read More!
Watch a video about Teacher Librarians
I heard them use the words "embrace" and "sophistication". We have to embrace the new digital world student and guide them into the sophistication that is needed in using the technology. This is a school where everyone is on board which is important especially when a school leader is leading the way for the sometimes reluctant staff. I believe that the leader should ensure that the technology is working properly so that the students and teachers are not frustrated or blocked from its use.
ReplyDeleteYes! Nothing is more frustrating than having technology that doesn't work correctly. This is often beyond the control of the classroom teacher--and you are right, everyone is frustrated. It is one of the "be fearless" challenges!
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to tell you how the libraries are called media centers now but they are not allowed to buzz. Many times they want the students to be quiet at my school in our after school program. I feel as though they really do not want the students in after school to use this space. I have learned how to use the smartboard and will show videos to my group.
DeleteYes, media center is probably a better description of what we call libraries. It is easier just to make everyone be quiet vs. determining which students are collaborating and which are just chatting. If the task is engaging there is less chatting--but I never have a "work meeting" with my friends without some chatting going on. :-)
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ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I do not feel very fearful of technology, except for how it can invade our privacy! Ha ha.
I suppose my opinion might change once I am in the classroom and having to present technology in front of a class of second graders.
I agree that technology can be confusing. Every time I log into the online program, I have to have my password emailed to me!
Continue to be fearless! I can't remember passwords either. There are apps that will help with that--haven't ventured there yet!
Delete"Kids know if they are wanted in a place and they know they are wanted here." This was said at the beginning of the video by a teacher-librarian (a term I had never heard of before) and it got me thinking about how I want all the kids that walk through the door of my classroom and into my life to know that they are wanted there. Once a child feels safe in an environment their chances of learning increase tenfold.
ReplyDeleteAs far as being fearful of using technology in the classroom I am not sure where I stand. I know that I am afraid of the use of technology going wrong. Also, sometimes I am not exactly sure how to incorporate technology into a lesson or the classroom. I guess I am more afraid of failure than I am afraid of technology.
The term Teacher-Librarian is a WA state title. I had not heard it either, but found it to be consistently used there. I like the term because they usually are certified teachers with additional library science endorsement.
DeleteYou make a good point, technology affords us the opportunity to look our fear of failure directly in the face. We generally don't want to fail in any area and technology provides ample opportunity.
Thanks for the encouraging reminder! "If you don't step out and use technology--well then, nothing can go wrong with it." This definitely describes my usual attitude towards technology. If I have someone on call who knows how to fix glitches, then I am more apt to experiment with using something new. With that mindset, though, I forget that it's always "safe" to try something, as long as I have a backup plan...and those are not hard to create!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was observing student teachers, one common mistake was not having a backup plan. There is just nothing worse than being stuck without a plan B when being observed. I have occasionally stepped in with a suggestion when I should have just observed. Mercy is strong with me. :-)
DeleteGood to know! (And I appreciate your indirect Star Wars reference!) :)
DeleteBeing reminded to always have a plan B, that stuck out to me! what if I have a student that doesn't know the software? what is the software isn't working right? these are all great questions to remember when I have my own classroom or even when planning my lessons! we should always have a back up plan, yes technology is always great to have integrated into the classroom, but we shouldn't totally rely on technology, remember that we are teachers and if the technology fails the responsibility and leadership will be on our shoulders!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder!
Good point--"the responsibility and the leadership is on our shoulders." Part of that is to admit we are stuck and ask for help--from the students. It is amazing how much they know and how they intuitively use technology. Swallowing our pride and asking our own students for help is a good thing! I was in the library last week and heard the Teacher-Librarian say this very thing to a frustrated teacher!
DeleteIt is interesting to hear librarians talking about this being the "most exciting time in education ever!" That is not what I would have predicted a librarian who has been applying their trade for a while to say about the changes in the library environment. I think that shows a very adaptable and unique teacher and I would really love to have a further conversation with someone like that.
ReplyDeleteThe video presented a very positive technology culture. Every school has a culture--sometimes more than one. There are always those who are negative about technology--try to avoid letting them drag you down! Seek out those with positive attitudes like you heard on the video and learn from them!
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