How do I “Unlearn” Using EDTECH in class?

 

Photo by Gil Epshtein
Photo by Gil Epshtein

I began using computers in class when we had XT computers, floppy discs and a word processing program called Einstein.

For many years I advanced slowly, my main source of knowledge coming from ETAI teacher conferences, which I usually attended once a year.

Since I began blogging, more than two and a half years ago, the pace of advance increased dramatically. Especially as all my descriptions of the  new things I needed the computer to do, but it couldn’t, got me a better computer and and later an Internet connection. The woman in charge of the computers really likes me…

Since then the computer has become such an integral part of the learning center which is my classroom, that it  is in use almost at all times. The schedule in a learning center is very complex and changes frequently, so it was always open in one window.  We have a class website. Homework is given online, using google forms, YouTube and various websites. Edmodo and a blog is used to connect with high schools for the deaf around the world. Quizlet is used to practice vocabulary. At the end of the day even Solitaire is not frowned on, when a student who deosn’t even have a lesson hangs out until his transportation home arrives.

We’re on vacation now. A kind soul leaked the information to me that because the school is expanding, my class will be rennovated for use for a hearing group. They can’t let a space that can fit 20 students a lesson continue to be used  by an average of 8 deaf and hard of hearing students who have work stations around the room. I say “leaked” because nobody considered it necessary to inform me officially. I’ve only been using this particular room for about 15 years.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

My new room will be a third of its size. Assuming that it will be ready for use by the end of August. At the moment it is totally unsuitable for teaching students with a hearing loss. It has to be renovated. I was told that there is no official objection to me having a computer in the new room but that would require a better door and bars on the windows. No one will deal with that before the acoustic rennovations have been done. My guess is that I will begin the year teaching every hour in another classroom.

After losing quite a bit of sleep over this, I have decided I can’t “unlearn” use of Edtech in class.

If the school is closing doors for me, I will go down the road of phone apps. I feel a bit better now.

 

 

4 thoughts on “How do I “Unlearn” Using EDTECH in class?”

  1. I’m very sorry to hear about this huge inconvenience. When something you have made your own over the years gets repurposed, it’s hard not to take it personally and feel duped. You’ll adapt. You’ll find ways to procure the environment you want for you and your students. Maybe it’ll start off rough, but there’s a silver lining in there somewhere and maybe it is your apps.

    1. You said it Tyson, it’s hard not to take it personally. Especially when no one told me that it had been decided to take away my room. At the moment I’m just praying I will have a room to go to on the first day.
      Thanks for your support!
      Naomi

  2. I’ve been through it. I built a beautiful English library that was turned into a science lab over the summer. I came into school expecting to start the year with my library and found books piled up in buckets. This happened 8 years ago and I still feel the pain.

    I know that you can rise above this. I know that you will make it work. You have the magic!

    1. You know what I mean, Francine.
      Still. there is a connection between physical space and having work stations. And the acoustics of the room are horrible – will they deal with it? And when? This room has always been considered unsuitable for HOH students…
      Will update!
      Thanks!
      Naomi

Leave a Reply to Tyson Seburn (@seburnt) Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *