My Ideas of Classroom Management and At-Risk Students

In a computer lab, classroom management depends a whole lot on whether the technology is cooperating or not. In an ideal world, the technology whether it be the machines or the websites you are using, everything works exactly as planned. But we all know that this is not the ideal world. Machines crash, websites go down, band-width issues come up...and whatever the world wants to throw at me at the time.

However, when students are engaged, classroom management issues are very few and far between. Classroom expectations must be explicit from day one. I have found that the consequences must come directly from the students in order to be effective. I am one many of the teachers of education world that has not sent a child to the office for discipline reasons in many years. I honestly feel that the discipline must come from me in order to "manage" what I have set out to do.

At-risk students somehow end up in my classes a lot. Since most of my high school offerings are electives, the administration at my school encourages students to take my classes or places them in my classes; sometimes against their will which makes my life even more interesting. I have found in my experience though, that the at-risk students are struggling more to find themselves and their place in the world than taking classes for graduation. I used to think when these students would take my classes that I was being "punished" for having the "bad" kids. I had to lose that thought very quickly. I now accept this assignment as a challenge to engage these students to use their excess energy for good rather than evil.

Surprisingly, I have made many valuable relationships with all of my students. They graduate, move on, and become adults. The at-risk students that I had made relationships, I found continue to maintain the relationships long after they graduate. Since I am from a rural community, it is not unusual for teachers to be more public than in a more urban setting. These students hold on to relationships in which they feel safe and know that there is mutual respect. I felt a little apprehensive about continuing these relationships beyond their high school experience. However, who was I to deny them something that made them feel secure? I was torn. I chose to go by the seat of my pants and continue mentoring several of these students. I find that a common-safe ground is needed even more in early adulthood than in high school. So, for now, I will go with what I feel is right for me and these kids.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

More Ramblings

The idea behind technology integration is that teachers need to choose technology that is compatible with their own pedagogical beliefs. In other words, the attitude that a teacher takes toward technology also reflects in the attitude of his or her students. We must remember that our society places a big emphasis on what businesses want out of our educational system. If these corporate powerhouses want our students to be equipped with "21st Century Skills", then, by-golly, we are going to do all we can to make sure they are.
My frustration comes into play because the students and most of the teachers are part of the digital divide. I teach at a very small school yet populated by diverse students, not unlike any other school I’m sure. However, we are continually trying to add more and more to the curriculum (technology included) and I don’t always know if we are just plain throwing too much at them.
On a much more positive level, I know that there are practical ways that we, as a school, can work to change this. First, I think our teachers need to become better educated about technology and how to use it in the classroom. If we are more educated about how tech. can transform our school, we will be more likely to fight for it. I am lucky to be somewhere that my voice is heard and what I say may make a difference. I consider myself a voice for technology and its importance to our students.
I feel that we have ample computers are that are up to date, which, puts us farther ahead than most schools. We have many of the great tools that many of the other schools have in more populated areas. I know that my students NEED these tech. skills in order to be prepared for college.
Getting parents onboard is another way to bridge the gap. If we can get our parents to believe in the importance of tech. learning, they can help their students believe it, too.

TIE Presentation Web 2.0 Tools

Here is the presentation of Web 2.0 Tools that I am presenting at the TIE Conference in Rapid City with the 7th grade teacher Ladonna Mielke.

To Learn is To Teach

I think we should emphasize the importance of teaching the basics along with technology integration. Frequently, it feels like this becomes an either/or debate, when to really teach both things well, they should be taught simultaneously.
I appreciated the examples of what some states are doing to improve in the area of technology. Alabama surprised me in that they are training students to teach their teachers about technology. I find this very interesting. So many students know more about technology than their teachers. My students frequently teach me new things on my computer, which I always appreciate.

Going Paperless!

So far this school year I have vowed to be completely paperless. I have made a wikipage with all my documents that will be made available to all students at anytime; I'm hoping that I will no longer have to wait in line for the copy machine (fingers are crossed). The IT at my school also made a folder for every teacher that students can drop their assignments in. Only the owner of the folder (the teacher) has full rights to the documents in the folder so cheating does not create a problem. The students will also have the option of turning in work via email. All students grades 7-12 are given a state-approved email on the secured system. We are a one-to-one computer school where the teachers have tablets. I love inking on student papers! I no longer have to take folders of papers home to correct. I just grab my tablet...it's all there! I find that immediate feedback is way more possible...not to mention that my desk is cleaner! I'll let you know how it's going.

Summer's Off---BAH

Well, I know I haven't blogged in FOREVER! But, I have a very good and honest excuse...LOL. Another summer is gone and I plan on spending the summer taking care of a few things on my bucket list. One of them being taking more time for myself and getting closer to my family. But, unfortunately, summer is coming to an end and I must get back to technology. I still maintain several websites for others along with my own sites that are falling behind. So, my goal for this school year to delegate out some of the "fluff" in my life OR start charging for my services. I have also decided NOT to take on any new projects for free anymore. It's not that I'm becoming harder or meaner...I just need to find a way of giving my time and life away for free.

Technology Bootcamp--part 1

Professional Development

Well, in the spring of 2010, my esteemed administrator called me into the office and told me that I have been "chosen" to be our school's representative at the ESA 5 Technology Bootcamp. This choice did not surprise me as I do sign up regularily for any technology workshop and bring it back to the staff.

This was a year-long commitment, worth 5 graduate credits, and a $500 stipend...good selling point, money and credits usually was to any teacher. What can this workshop bring to me? Can I learn something new? What can I bring to the workshop? Only time will tell. The first training will be in August, right before school starts...very strategic move.