I’ve been spending time thinking over some of the events that occurred at my current school throughout the year. The year began with a big bang as we swung into our new one-to-one MacBook program in the high school. It was a touchy subject with the students, parents, and teachers. Korea is a PC country, but the school saw the future with the assistance of Clay Burell’s vision and made the tough choice for the MacBook. I don’t think Clay ever got the credit he deserved for pushing for the MacBook. For four years on Saipan, I worked in a one-to-one PC environment, but after a few sessions on my new MacBook, I could see the vastly superior opportunities for student learning with this machine. However, there were several people who found the new machine “different,” and therefore a piece of crap. Some of my students still whine about how they can’t play the games that they used to play on their PC’s as they make a movie, comic book, song, or podcast with their MacBook. Let’s face it — kids are never impressed or truly satisfied. They aren’t the only ones! The adults were often times worse than the students.
It always surprises me how some teachers can complain about not being treated as professionals as they back-stab or ignore a colleague. About a month into the school year, so of the faculty was asked to provide a technology workshop about Web 2.0 and using computers in the classroom. It was clear from the beginning that several of the faculty members had decided to take their frustrations out on the workshop planners. True, the workshop itself could have been better organized at times, but it never helps to be confrontation with colleagues who are trying to help you.
I learned a few things about adults through this situation that I have distilled and wish to share:
1. Always count on adults to act juvenile, but never treat them as though they are behaving that way.
2. Move forward with those willing to move and let the rest fall behind; you don’t need them.
3. Be ready to hold their hands through the simplest activities. You must spend countless hours with them if necessary.
4. Encourage, encourage, encourage — any and all behavior that moves technology into the classroom; even if you think it is a bit elementary, support them. Baby steps!
5. Share, share, share — examples, lessons, thoughts, ideas, time.
So in the end, we have to teach the teachers just like we teach the students, because that is exactly what they are. Those that don’t need your assistance, should be encouraged to help you teach.
