Technology problems: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!
As I reflect on the greatest challenges for leveraging technology to empower learning in the classroom, I think about this week in the field and the task of simply making a journal entry of my daily activities. I typically can get around the computer and technology without major difficulties, but for some reason, this week has been brutal! Technology has many benefits, so of course, as teachers we strive to incorporate these tools into our classroom, but after this week…I just want to quit and go back to the traditional way of learning… bookwork and worksheets! Here are some difficulties that I dealt with this week.
Connectivity: Now I’m connected…now I’m not
Syncing devices: Using correct log-in matters!
Pictures: Taking them is the easy part, sending them to the right program is another problem altogether.
Save, Save, Save…. then remember where you saved it.
Time: everything on the internet takes time, don’t do anything while in a hurry as it causes major frustration. When you have time, pray that you do it right the first time….the second time is all about correcting mistakes, deleting and reinstalling apps….boo
Owning too many technical devices can be a hindrance. Knowing where and what device you were on when saving a document is a problem and waste time as you open everything to find it.
These are some concerns that I know I face when using computer technology, but it is worth it. I would not want to return to the manual typewriter, 35mm camera (developing time of one week) lugging textbooks, overhead projectors, and piles of paper! Although I have had a difficult week with technology, it has been worth it. So…I will keep calm and carry on!
I could certainly identify with the concept of “Technology Juggling!” My school district has made loads of changes in what will be the “norm” in the classroom over the last 7 years or so. Many of the changes were due to the availability of specific types (brands) of hardware and the availability and sharing capabilities of software. Each time we get another device to “Balance”, I feel a little unglued! However, I too feel that our advances have well outweighed the problems, and I too will … keep calm and carry on! 🙂
That picture you chose is perfect. I think at some point we have all felt that way about a piece of technology. And your message of “keeping calm and carrying on” is right on the money.
Amneris