When this school year started, I had great hopes and dreams for a wonderful year that involved utilizing and using technology. I was hoping that I would be able to grow as an educator and my students would grow musically. However, many of those hopes and dreams have been pushed aside in favor of survival mode. The classroom I started the year in has been abandoned. My new classroom has an interactive whiteboard, but I have only received basic training on how to operate it. I teach six classes, but am only able to offer two classes any real education. My frustration level is very high. The sympathy I feel for those students who are not receiving a quality music education is equally high. However, there is nothing I can do.
The blog sequence for this class started with my focusing on two NETS-T standards. The standards I chose to address were Standards 4b "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility" and 5c "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership." At this point, I feel that I have not really begun to address these standards. Unfortunately, I chalk this up to the fact that I am not operating in a fully functioning classroom. I do what I can to address Standard 4b during instruction. But, Standard 5b is not being addressed very much for the reasons stated above. I am learning how to use my interactive whiteboard, but like any new tool, will take some time to become familiar and comfortable with.
Considering the situation I am currently dealing with, I feel that it is inappropriate at this time to set new goals for learning or address new NETS-T standards. I hope to continue working toward learning how to use my interactive whiteboard more effectively. With any luck, the equipment in my current room will be completely functional by the time we get back from our winter holiday on January 4, 2010.
Ray,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry your year has not been what it is meant to be - fun and exciting! Using the interactive whiteboard can be a challenge for new users, especially when it doesn't always work, and sometimes updates conflict with your operating system, etc. This frustration is understandable. Is there anything your IT personnel or administrators can do to help with training and support? Perhaps a colleague who is using this tool with success can help out as well? I use a SMART board in my classroom and love it - if you are also using this, I could send you some useful templates. Just e-mail me and I'll do my best.
My best advice right now is this - don't fall into the trap of having to use technology just because it's there. Your students can still receive a quality education from you - like we did from our teachers (pre-technology days!) Good luck - we're all behind you!
-Stephen St. Georges
Ray,
ReplyDeleteDo not get discouraged, I know you are doing your best. I have the same feelings as Stephen, and if you need anything, please email me. I can even get in touch with the music teachers in my building and see if they can pass along any templates as well. Not having working technology is quite frustrating, and I know the feeling. Sometimes your goals for the year must be put off for later until the technology is right. Remember, how long it takes you to make the journey does not matter as long as you are willing to take the first step.
-Travis
Ray, do not sell yourself short. You know you are doing the best with what you have. What happened to all your keyboards? Did they not get moved with you? Remember, we all learned to play an instrument without the help of technology. There is nothing wrong with relying on the basics and using the technology as it falls into place. I still prefer acoustic guitar to an electric one. Love the cleaner sounds... Just old fashioned, I guess. Sometimes I think we set our goals high and forget the realities of the economy and the classroom. You are doing fine!
ReplyDeleteV.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the offer of sending material for me to use. We are using the Eno boards from Polyvision. So, I do not think that they are compatible. From what I understand there are some music templates and pages for me to access. Because this technology is so new, the CIS department and other people on campus cannot really help. I have learned from the discussion about our new equipment that some things are still not installed. So, as soon as everything is put together we will be able to be fully functiional.
I agree that I should not be using the technology just because it is there. But, it is difficult to NOT use it especially when my principal moved me from my music suite over to a regular classroom BECAUSE OF the technology. Also, the equipment in my room is still waiting to be powered up. It does not look like my computer lab and rock band class will have power this year, which is a major reason for my frustration. This is the reason why I can really only teach two out of six classes. My history classes are doing great. My music classes are not getting the education access that they deserve.
Travis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words of encouragement. Also, many thanks for the offer of support. It seems like my goals will have to be put off until next year. But, the way my wife puts it, at least I have the equipment. That is half the battle.
Virginia,
ReplyDeleteNo, the equipment stayed in my music rooms. I am waiting for "new" power to be installed so the surge of power of thirty computer stations and electronic music instruments do not blow the circuits.
By the way, I prefer the acoustic sound as well. But, sometimes you just need to "rock out."
Does your school have anything such as clusters where the teachers meet once a week during planning and have lessons on various things such as RTI, diversity training, or maybe even using the technology equipment? We are getting interactive whiteboards this year for the first time and our district technology department is going to come out during our cluster sessions and give us basic training in a room where an interactive board is set up. Maybe your district could offer training for teachers in your school.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work you are doing. I know that your students are benefitting from your experience even when you are frustrated with what you are able to offer them.