While I feel I have a pretty good idea of the things that I need to do, it is the specifics and where to find those answers that are what I am lacking. If I had to narrow the resources down, I need reliable computers or laptops that my students can have access to. One of the biggest issues we are trying to deal with in my school right now is the number of broken computers and laptops that we have in circulation that are leaving our students on a digital island. Working with the computers is not enough, our internet needs to be able to access and stream information for my students at the same time as it is functioning for the rest of the school. It would also be important to acquire some sort of webcam or camera that can be used as such. I need to be able to find a website or resource that will allow me to reach out to another school in another part of the country where I can set up the opportunity for my students to interact. I think that it is important have a conversation with others in my department and see if they have any input or opinion on this type of learning experience.
My needs are immense when it comes to the physical components and somewhat minor in the information sense. I think the biggest obstacle is finding a resource that can link me with other high school teachers that are teaching a similar subject. I am at a loss as to where to find this. My other concern stems from something that is outside of my control. Our district recently passed a very strict and restrictive policy on social interactions that take place with our students on the internet. Since this policy has only been in place for a few months, it hasn’t really been tested in this manner and there might be a long process involved in creating an experience like this. This will take a few conversations with administrators to determine feasibility.
I view many of these pieces as out of my control. I have worked to determine if streaming these types of interactions is even possible. It was great to find out that it is. The laptop/computer component is something that I may not be able to resolve. We are working with our IT department but it doesn’t look like it will be fixed this year.
If anyone knows where I can find a resource that can help me locate a “buddy” classroom, I would really appreciate hearing about it.
Ray,
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you are suffering from some of the same problems that I am at my school. We can both agree that incorporating technology is the key to creating diverse, engaging lessons, but having adequate access to technology is most important. At my school, we also are very limited in computer availability but are very restricted as to what we are able to do online. Using technology and the internet really has become a double edged sword. Have you tried to start a blog for your classroom? Was it shot down by the district?
I wish I could also find good sites to collaborate on with fellow social studies teachers. I have found a few good resource sites but not a general site for teachers of common areas to collaborate.
Ryan Petraitis
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThe guidelines that my district has adopted would require monitoring a blog or website a full-time job. At the least I would need a webmaster to check on it daily and file comments and posts. The double-edged sword is piercing those of us that wish to use the internet for good and our students that could benefit from that good.
Ray
Sent by Holly Gramling via e-mail:
ReplyDeleteRay,
Is there any military base around where you are? I know our district gets
computers from the base for student use only when they upgrade. It might be
worth looking into.
Holly
My response to Holly Gramling sent via e-mail:
ReplyDeleteHolly,
I am located near many military bases. The problems with this suggestion are many. My district is not low income. The districts that these bases are in are. I can see this as reason enough for them not to donate. Our district IT department is not open to bringing in old or outdated computers and trying to make them work or function on our system. This costs more money than a new computer. We also don't have the infrastructure in our school to put more computers in place. Not enough internet connections and no lab space to keep them secure.
I like the idea, I just don't see it working in my current situation.
Ray