Teachers Talking Shop

A new blogging friend said,

" ... my last teaching session, my kids made a CD using PowerPoint. It showcased their accomplishments for the whole year. They even learned about copywrited music and wrote to the author for permission. It wasn't an easy task but it was fun. I got chewed out for attempting it. These kids were basically written off because they were special ed. I hate when people put people in a box. But I did enjoy rubbing administration nose in dirt ;-) sort-a-speak when I presented each one with a copy. They didn't give me time of day but you could see it their faces. I was so proud of my kids, when I get down I pull up the files and play them. I had a rough year there and didn't return. I was told I care too much. Hmmmm, what's this world coming to?"

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I responded,

"Very few people in administration understand how computers in education SHOULD work. It's all delegated to the 'official computer' instructor rather than just being a part of the general curriculum. Some great classroom teachers are allergic to them and I cannot see why. It seems just as natural as life to use computer labs for any subject and implement tasks exploiting a computer's strengths. Lab empahsis should switch from drill and instruction to using the devices as a creative and research tool. I should think this would be especially obvious to English instructors, but alas, by what I've witnessed ...

I've no 'documented training' in computers but seem much more proficient in making use of them in a learning environment then some of those who boast an extensive list of qualifications ....

... oh Lordie, aren't I just the cat's meow, or what?"

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