Monday, March 24, 2008
Technology or Not Technology? That is the Question.
Open blog topic allows for some time to vent. I came to my current district because I saw that they were spending money and updating technology. I saw that my room had a dozen computers, wireless access for my school-issued laptop, and a SmartBoard. So, as we read through UbD and I try to rethink my lessons I constantly am running into technological problems. The activities I plan often have to be adjusted on the spot because there is no more money, it seems, to upkeep our technology. My SmartBoard projector breaks, the internet goes down, the students' computer mouses (mice) break or get stolen, and the biggest problem- I get bumped from my room to an antiquated room with no technology because there is a lack of space for classes. I like the UbD idea and really try to see how I can use it, but I just wish that there weren't so many factors affecting my progress on top of the task of trying to reprogram my mind's training of forward design. Not to worry; I still keep the faith and plod on. There are some opportunities to re-write curriculum in my district over the summer and I really am trying to sort out my schedule so that I may try to UbD some of our curriculum.
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3 comments:
First, I love the use of UBD as a verb ... "to UBD our curriculum". :) I totally understand your frustration with your buildings inability to keep up with the technology. Our school just got Smart boards all throughout the science wing (no where else, of course) but didn't install projectors. Still, its a step in the right direction. At least your board of education has demonstrated SOME dedication to emerging technologies. Do you think the board of ed knows the technology they spent so much money on is not being maintained?
I agree with you that technology is a useful tool but it does not replace the teacher or the learning activity. Parents want to see technology budgets in all the school budgets. They seem to be willing to pay for technology but not for the professional development training that needs to go hand in hand with it. I am saying this as a Board member who constantly has to explain to fellow BOE members why groups of teachers are being sent to trainings or why we are brining in a professional trainer for $2058.00 to train the entire teaching staff on curriculum mapping.
Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy but you can't give up the fight!
This seems to be the most overwhelming suggestion when asked "How can we make this better". Technology hinders so many of our great ideas...UBD or not. Keep up the faith. Always plan for the worse. We have to believe that it will get better, and those who have the power to change it will. One day it will be you and I as administrators and we'll make sure to increase the technology capabilities.
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