Don't get any ideas. Just because I'm happy I get to participate in one a meme, don't start tagging with all over the place, I'll go nuts!
Anyway, my grad school class is over, things are calming down a little at school - with just about a month left, and I'm starting to catch up on my reading. Now, it's time to write a little.
I've been blogging for about year or so and someone has finally tagged me to complete a meme. It's a not one of those where you list your favorite places to live or what kind of animal you'd be if could choose. GeekyMomma has asked me to think a little. I'm going to share what I believe. Maybe you believe some of it too, maybe not. Maybe some of the things I believe now I didn't believe 5 years ago and won't believe 5 years into the future. For now, here's what I believe:
I believe we need to keep working hard to integrate technology into the curriculum, but there will always be teachers and administrators holding us back.
I believe school district technology directors should have experience in the classroom. Too often they don't have experience in our world.
I believe that some students will always be below average. As an educator, we are told not to think that way, but it's true.
I believe teachers get too much of the blame when students fail. Things we accomplish with students in days and weeks can be trashed by parents in one evening.
I believe there are too many teachers not willing to learn new stuff.
I believe my own children will be very successful, despite the things I do.
I believe blogging and Twittering has done wonders for my learning. So many people have put ideas into my head and made my think about things I would not have done otherwise.
I believe I will go back to school for another degree or certification. I also believe I'll end up back in the classroom at some point.
I believe our educational system needs a major overhaul.
I'm supposed to tag a few people to see what they believe. I'd like to hear from:
Kate of Kate Says
Paul Bogush
John Pederson
Rookie Teacher
Do you believe any of the same stuff?
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As one school librarian to another, you are spot on in your beleifs. Great read.
Congrats on your tag!
As for teaching and technology--I am one of those that won't participate--not because I don't want to but because there is no time during the day to learn and to do. Besides, my school is so poorly equipped that it is just not worth the effort.
Last year we got computers in two classrooms in every department with the fancy projectors. I know they would make my life easy if I had a chance to actually set up and learn to use them. When rooms are used 12 periods a day, this is not feasible. You seem to work in a much more conducive enviroment to this.
Your post was worth the wait. Your honesty is refreshing in a world where many educators refuse to say what many of us are thinking.
I also agree that sometimes students succeed, in spite of us. :)
@pissed off - I don't even know where to start, but I'm so sad to read your comments. You are clearly waiting for someone else to hand you something, anything that will suddenly bring it all together for you. You are reading a blog and commenting on a blog and that is a big start. I hope your comment is an attempt at humor and not true contempt. There is so much you can do in your class that does not require projectors or "stuff."
@cathy - Thanks, sometimes my thinking isn't spot on, but that's okay too.
@PO - hopefully you're thinking will change at some point. Tech can really make a difference for you and your students.
@Lee - Thanks for starting this conversation.
Lee-I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't need or want anybody to hand anything to me.
As for technology--I'm lucky to have chalk and an eraser in my room and a few minutes during the day to use the bathroom. You have no idea what it is like to move from room to room and take multiple book bags, coats and umbrellas, etc with you every time you move. I know technology is great but it is not practical in my working envrionment. I don't even have a computer to use at work on my free periods. I really wish my comments were humorous. Sadly, they are true.