Friday, July 11, 2014
A Guest Blog--From my Mom
Below is a guest post from my mom. She spent 30+ years in education. Below are a few of her thoughts, specifically the impact of technology.
I retired from teaching in 2012. So much had changed from my initial experiences in the early 1970's. The kids might have been happier then. Parents were less distracted by society's demands and not frustrated with technology changing their lives. Families spent quality time together. High tech was color TV and music on cassettes.
I remember my first Apple IIe computer in the library. We we supposed to learn how to program it. Right! Computers were supposed to make teaching easier. Paperwork would be stream-lined. I believe we generated more paperwork and still had paper copies just in case. Forms and programs were improved and updated taking up more time to learn a new system. Technology can be fun and it does help to visualize ideas better, but nothing can replace a teacher who takes a special interest in her students. We all yearn for someone not something to care about us.
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I completely agree that you can have the best technology available, but it does come down to the teacher in the end.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to think where educational technology will be when we retire. I know I am amazed at some of the things my two year old will never have to experience: commercials, the entire world not having smart phones, limited wifi, dial-up, VCR, CD's, etc.
I agree. Your last statement made me think of a great and applicable quote by John C Maxell, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." This is especially true for students when they are hungry for attention.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting reflection! One of my coworkers who just retired made some similar reflections, especially regarding how different the typical student is now, and how the effects of less quality time with family affects kids' emotional needs. She thought kids were much needier now. I am so curious as to where technology will be when I retire in 20+ years!
ReplyDeleteI think about how I interact with my students and hope that I leave a good lasting impression. I wish in my heart that I change their lives for the better not based on what they learned (because I taught technology and that will be outdated in 4 years), but that I cared about them so so much. I taught in the inner city and had one of those challenging classes who I spoke to about life and choices way more than bits and bytes. We had career day and the students came dressed as a career they wished to pursue. I asked the students who they came dressed as for career day. One little girl said she came dressed as me. And, another one said the same. It really brought tears to my eyes (and still does). At that moment, I finally felt like I had inspired someone. I believe this is what life is about.
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