Of Mice and Middle Years…

Clarence Fisher’s presentation raised some thoughts as I continue to explore the variables that affect the validity of technology for students in the classroom. One variable is ratio as demonstrated by Clarence has in his room…an ideal 1:1. Every class in our system has 4 sun terminals in the room and a school lab. I have managed a 1:1 ratio in my behavioural program..I have 8 terminals (hey, when they give you two hubs you use them….) How important is ratio (school access) for our students?
Smartboards are an example where collaboration and potential for effective use is demonstrated at a 1:20 (more or less), yet this technology, I admit, allows for multiple students to work on one board. Yet the ratio is not 1:1, and I would argue that proper use of this technology, as demonstrated by both students in this class and some of our presenters(Darren Kuropatwa), is really the key to engaging students.
So, those students that have the chance to go home and use their personal technology to access school resources benefiting at a greater degree than those who cannot afford these technologies? If so, how do we address this?

Collaboration, access, teacher knowledge of technology have been important topics in this room. Clarence has shown how excellence in these areas have developed positive, engaging experiences for his students. I think, as Alec has mentioned, more research is needed in regards to the topic of ratio. Chicken or the egg scenario— do we encourage boards to pour money into reaching that 1:1 ratio that would then “prod” teachers to incorporate these technologies in the classroom, or expose teachers to effective uses of educational technologies (and proper inservice) that would then result in boards allocating more money into increased access? Both?

As you may or may not read from the participant directory, I have been involved in education for all of 18 years. As I have commented (or ranted) in the past, I have heard numerous educators comment the following… “Will this “tool” enhance student learning to the degree that it is worth the time and effort to change from current teaching methodologies and practices?” This has always been a deterrent to school change, since there are many educators that quickly develop a comfort zone in their instructional methodologies. I believe this occurs because of the demands placed upon teachers in this new school environment that has arisen in the past number of years… we are educators, social workers, psychologists and in many cases, extended family. The added stress of exploring alternate methods or complimentary methods of instruction, especially in sometimes unfamiliar “technological” territory, is not easily accepted. Concrete examples, such as “A day in the life..” as Darren presented, goes a long way to invite teachers to stray out of that comfort zone. However, I must admit that his work adds for may educators an already heavy burden of th stresses mentioned earlier in this post, planning, marking, extra curricular, etc. that a teacher encounters in his or her day to day life. The variety of technologies certainly require a significant cost in terms of time for personal and external P.D.

I believe that Darren’s integration of technologies as tools for instruction has complimented and enhanced the learning experiences for his student. Interactive technologies such as blogs has certainly enhanced learning in such areas as metacognition and alternate means of communication to network with students and the instructor in their personal learning and problems/challenges that they face.
What surprised me the most was not only his direct involvement in the classroom, but also the fact that he is incorporating tools such as blogs not in the humanities/social sciences/ but in areas including mathematics.

I have always been asked, “When you receive (I hope) your Masters (in educational communications and technology), what will you do? Consulting? Business? I always answered (and honestly, quite sheepishly), “As far as I know, teach.” I was sheepish because I think people expect that my education would take me away from students to “loftier” goals. My goal has, and remains, to teach. I have no idea what the future may bring, or the opportunities that my educational experience(s) may open, but I think that a look into Darren’s professional life represents my loftier goal, to be a more effective and engaging educator. Thank you Darren for an excellent presentation.