Friend or Foe? Tech Staff and Teachers don't Always Get Along

My first impression upon reading the title was a slightly sarcastic, Really? I guess that goes to show that I've had some problems in the past and have been privy to the griping of teachers about tech support also. I've read the initial post and then the follow up ones. It appears that either you're in a school that is supportive or you're in a school where the decisions are being made out of fear, lack of time, lack of concern, or lack of knowledge. I can't say that I personally would want the job of a tech support person, (and no one would offer it, since I know next to nothing anyway), but it doesn't keep me from having my opinions.
My first opinion is that there needs to be more communication. Teachers need to communicate to the board or administation or whoever makes the rules and also to the tech support. Everyone needs to know why these things that are being blocked would be helpful in the classroom.
One post said that their tech support people are former teachers. That isn't such a bad idea. The old walk a mile in my shoes always helps. At least they would feel a little less like they were speaking two different languages and the teachers, though not getting all they want, may be more inclined to be a little less harsh on someone who knows what they are up against.
I doubt there is a one size fits all answer. There are too many issues being dealt with at too many different levels. Trying to protect children from internet sites that may not be appropriate (thanks COPA), while at the same time allowing access to those items that are educational is a tricky situation.

why?

Why am I not showing any new blogs from class? Can't find links or any posts. Something wrong?

Using Technology to Support LEP Student's Learning

This is a rather lengthy critical article pertaining to the positive effects that using technology in the classroom can provide for the LEP (Limited-English-Proficient) student. It reiterates what many other articles have said about the use of technology in the classroom, namely that technology in and of itself is not the primary goal, that students have greater access to more information, cognitive skills are enhanced, students can work at their own pace and within their own realms of interest. " Through technology, LEP students can learn in a rich linguistic environment and find opportunities to interact with the multicultural world, extend their language skills, and not be embarrassed for not knowing answers"(Padrón & Waxman, 1996, p. 344; Lee, 2000). In other words, it greatly helps build on their confidence.
The article lists TESOL standards, explains what is expected of LEP students, and lists differing reasons and support from different accounts on the benefits of technology to these students.
My interest in this stems from my interest in LEP students and my hope to work with them in the future.

Palm Pilots Help Kids Cope

This article about using hand held devices to help autistic children seems like a plus to me. I've known some autistics and this sort of help does appear as if it could lower their barriers making not only education but socialization more within their grasp. It could also help other low functioning kids through the use of homework reminders and alarms. Having information about how to behave in different social settings could be beneficial to more than just autistics.

Teach in Real Life: Students See Devices as Tools, not Toys

A six minute video showed students in a highschool in Utah using technology in their science class to test water contamination in their area, and in history to take a virtual tour of a WWI trench. The science teacher said that by using the technology, student's learning was enhanced 20% over not using the technology. (She taught the class both ways to guage this). The virtual tour enabled students to see something that they couldn't see by going on a field trip, yet it placed them there with enough of the information that they could realize the situation, place themselves there mentally, and create a more realistic idea of what a trench is than by simply viewing photos of one. The science lab tech devices were obtained by the teacher through a grant. Both were good ways to involve students in the classroom. Jeanna

Timelines 2.0: A Fun, Easy, and Free Classroom Tool

What do Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Shakespeare, Truman Capote, Virginia Woolfe, and Paris Hilton all have in common? They are all listed under writers in the timeline website I checked out (and had to register for, though it is free), called xtimeline, which this article in Edutopia, speaks of. I briefly went through a few, and the timelines are interesting and have links to other sources where you can gather more information. The part about creating your own timeline, imbedding pictures (when we learn how), and things of that nature, seemed especially fun. Interesting would be to have grandparents do one for their grandchildren. The children could see what happened in the world when their grandparents were their age and be astonished. (what did you do if you couldn't watch t.v., granps?) Not a bad site. I am sure there are many more things that could be done with this. Jeanna

when does the frustration end?

Due to illness I have missed classes. Though I have read the posts, I am not all that clear on what I am supposed to be doing (hopefully I can catch up), but I can discuss what I've done so far.

First and foremost, I have not been able to access ITUNES no matter whose computer I use and this has been very frustrating for me. I have spent hours at it. It rather accounts for my not posting because my frustration level is too high.

I went to Flickr but all I have accomplished in doing is setting up yet another account.

I watched the video posted. What a guy, and I mean that with the deepest sincerity. He certainly gave me something to think about. Mostly, have I accomplished my childhood dreams? In case anyone is wondering, to my best recollection they were: to live in an old Victorian house and remodel it (did that), to have a normal family (no discussion, just go with me on this - did it), be an airline attendant (we used to call them stewardeses) - not done it but have been offered the position by the gal in charge of all of the attendants for Republic Airlines. All I need to do is take her up on it. Own a restaurant. (Nope, but I became a very good cook and cooked for my kids' swim teams, friends, etc and it was like having a restaurant). Be an actress (I shot a commercial for Junior Achievement. It was so long and boring to do that I never really wanted to do it again). I've actually acquired more dreams as an adult, some of which I have actualized.

I am hoping that my frustration level begins to level out. I am looking forward to the camera session as that is something that I am very interested in. I am also physched about going to the school for a visit as I would like to see a school that sounds so solid and up to date.

I am still unclear as to whether we have class tonight or not (my fault, I know), so I'll just show up and if no one is here I will try to delve further into the assignment though I am not sure what I am looking for.

Until then....... Jeanna