Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Collecting dust....

I can't believe how many laptop carts are gathered around campus collecting dust. I have gotten 3 carts each with 15-20 laptops that have not been used for at least a year. Yet when I show up to take them, people are super resistant! I even tell them that I am here to run diagnostic tests to see if they can become useful again, but people still want to hold on to them. Well of all the issues that each of the computers have, a simple system restore and the computers are back up and running again. Now when I take them back, they are overwhelmingly appreciative that they working again, but my gosh people, let go a little bit. Granted these computers are running OS 9, some fail to charge a battery, and some of the mouse pads aren't working, they are still useful for internet research, office applications, and even graphic design and web design. I am now trying to figure out how to re-distribute them to teachers who want to use them with their students. Equity, not equality is our new mantra.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

buy in

This must be the key to adminstrative support. If an administrator buys into a vision for technology and its implementation into our curriculum, you'll get their full support. Our principal was approached by our scheduling AP to have me take extra science classes in lieu of assisting with technology because of a high need area in Biology, but my principal was adamant about having me work in an out-of-class edtech position assisting teachers. WOW! Gotta feel the love.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Technology Assistant

Just found out that my plea to assist with technology has been approved at my school. Should make for some interesting stories and hopefully some good stories about how tech influences student engagement and understanding. More to come.