Entering the next century of education today is very challenging. Every day we learn of some new advancement in the field of technology. Our school district is working hard to find ways to provide computer access for all our students. For most, these changes are exciting and we eagerly anticipate the next technological leap that will make our education more enriching, challenging, and help prepare our kids for the job market they will be facing upon graduation or for the type of college education they will be receiving.
However, I would be remiss if I told you that it is all roses. Consider for a moment the fact that education has not substantially changed from the industrial era and desks in rows. It is only in recent years that education has begun a shift from the traditional to the nontraditional style of teaching. No longer is rote memorization applicable in most cases. Now we need projects and problem solving. We need cooperative learning and responsibility for learning now rests with the students. Teachers are very willing to make changes, but the technology…well…for some the challenge can be quite daunting! I am comfortable sharing the following anecdote, having previously gotten permission to share it. However, I will not name any names…allow my colleague a bit of anonymity!
Our campus is fortunate to have two computers in each classroom. One computer is designated for teacher use and one is for student use. About 3 years ago, before school started, several of us were busily working in our classrooms preparing for the beginning of school. I was unpacking, rearranging, and setting up when I heard a voice echoing down the hall, “Christiiiiine! My computer won’t work!” Stifling (barely) a grin I looked up to see my coworker standing in my door with a frustrated expression on her face. I asked the first question that popped into my head. “Is it plugged in?” The response was quite indignant, “Well, yes…I do know that much!” I then followed her to her classroom to see if I could help solve the problem. Sure enough, her computer was plugged in to the power strip. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered the power strip was not plugged in to the wall! I made a poor attempt at covering my amusement as she quickly moved to plug in the offending strip. Needless to say, that became a standing joke among us. The next year, before the start of school, this same teacher came to me saying her computer would not turn on and before I could ask she declared, “YES..it is plugged in! I checked!” Not bothering to hide my grin, I followed her into her room to investigate. Sure enough, the computer was plugged in…and the power strip was plugged in – to itself! I confess to laughing out loud and still giggle a bit when I think of it. My colleague, luckily, is a really great sport and laughs along with me.
I can’t tell a story on my coworker without sharing one about me, of course. I was having trouble getting the computer projector to work. I kept getting “No signal” from the computer, and was checking all the plugs and wires from the laptop to the projector, but was having no success. I frantically called down to our campus computer guru who answered my desperate pleas with patience and humor. She came to my room, looked at it for about 3 seconds, and said, “You have to move the mouse and turn off the screen saver.” And, laughing wickedly, she left the room.
Teachers are, by nature and by necessity, flexible. Even with those talents, we sometimes need a little help and some practice. I am happy to report that plugs, for my colleague, are no longer a problem! Every year she learns a little more and becomes more confident – as we all do! In the meantime, we keep “plugging away” and laugh often! We simply have to remember: check the plugs and move the mouse!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
