That was Anti-Climactic
Thursday, August 28, 2008 by jethrojones
Last week, I found out that Senator Howard Stephenson would be coming to my classroom today. Each day, it seemed that the number of other visitors changed. I wasn't sure at all what would actually happen, and neither were the district people that were closer to the situation. Everything was shrouded in mystery.
Yesterday, a rep from the audio enhancement company our school uses showed up to make sure that my microphone would feedback whenever I talked. I had turned down the high end because it was feedback city, and that took care of the problem. He came in (as a professional) and turned up the highs and seemed satisfied when it made the awful high-pitched scream. Silly man. I turned them back down in preparation for today's meeting.
Senator Stephenson came into my room and observed with 5 or 6 other people. I was hoping that we could get my teacher evaluation out of they way today, but that was not meant to be. They sat there and watched me teach about online safety, and then left. They didn't ask me any questions, or interrupt my lesson, or anything. I wasn't expecting a highway being named after me, but I was expecting something. There was nothing. I almost took a nap during my prep period immediately following the visit.
The sad thing is that they missed the best part. The kids made a KWL chart about being safe online in Google Docs on the wiki, and now we have a big list of everything that they know and want to know about being safe online. That part really was neat. It was hard to get my kids on task, because they were psyched out to be using the laptops.
For a different view, you can read Darren's take on the whole thing (with a picture, even).
Yesterday, a rep from the audio enhancement company our school uses showed up to make sure that my microphone would feedback whenever I talked. I had turned down the high end because it was feedback city, and that took care of the problem. He came in (as a professional) and turned up the highs and seemed satisfied when it made the awful high-pitched scream. Silly man. I turned them back down in preparation for today's meeting.
Senator Stephenson came into my room and observed with 5 or 6 other people. I was hoping that we could get my teacher evaluation out of they way today, but that was not meant to be. They sat there and watched me teach about online safety, and then left. They didn't ask me any questions, or interrupt my lesson, or anything. I wasn't expecting a highway being named after me, but I was expecting something. There was nothing. I almost took a nap during my prep period immediately following the visit.
The sad thing is that they missed the best part. The kids made a KWL chart about being safe online in Google Docs on the wiki, and now we have a big list of everything that they know and want to know about being safe online. That part really was neat. It was hard to get my kids on task, because they were psyched out to be using the laptops.
For a different view, you can read Darren's take on the whole thing (with a picture, even).
Posted in:
EC,
technology
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I couldn't agree more with your assessment. I was disappointed in the way things turned out. When I was first given the information, I believed that the focus was going to be on the classroom visit, not a presentation before hand. I guess I don't get how politics works. That said, I wish I could have seen the entire lesson. The part I did see was great and am sure that what happened before had was even better. Hopefully there will be better opportunities coming up.
You guys are still my hero. I remember being put down in front of an old Apple II and guided through some basic programs in 2nd grade. Even though I have had a computer in my home my entire life, this experience changed my life and put my on a path towards technology. I would say my life is better for it.
So, keep up the good work. It takes time to changes minds and opinions, but you'll get there.
I wouldn't feel too bad about the experience if I were you. I think the Senator was very impressed with how well you handled your classroom and the experiences that your students were having. As much as anything, I think he just didn't want to interrupt what you were doing with your students.
I, too, wish I could have seen the whole thing. I checked out the kwl chart and I love it! Keep up the great work, Jethro - and a nap every now and then can't be all bad.