The two biggest challenges with implementing technology in the classroom is availability of materials and time. Before I write these blog posts I make it a point not to read anyone else’s blog so I can give my one true feeling on the topic but I believe in this case you may not find many things that are so different.

The amount of technology that is available to teachers is limited. In many circumstances teachers must write grants to obtain the proper materials. This is the best way around that problem that I see. There is also the availability of technology for the students at home. As we know not everyone has internet access or even access to a computer in their home. This is a greater problem that teachers or the school systems have little control over. There are a few programs at Enloe that try to give students in need access to computers but it is still impossible to reach every kid.

The second problem, the time factor. Teachers will need the time to write the grant, to do the research on the best kind of technology for their needs, to learn how to use the new technology either through professional development or on their own, and then the time to write lessons that will allow the teachers to implement their new technology. Many times this takes a huge commitment from the teacher to use more of their personal time to get the job done. For a teacher like me who has no kids and a significant other that is also a teacher (she understands when I don’t get home until 6 or 7) it can be a bit easier, but there are plenty of teachers who have kids or great grand kids that don’t always have that “extra time.”

Referring back to a previous blog I think one of the things I expect from the Kenan Fellows experience are new resources that will give me extra time, or the resources to be able to write grants and implement new technologies in a variety of ways in my classroom. Add that to the list.

Where do I begin? So many great memories. I have to say that the highlight for me has to be the time spent getting to know so many great teachers in our off time. Specifically our time playing games. I thoroughly enjoyed playing “Pleasure Island.”

I believe this time was crucial as we got to know each other better and started to trust each other more. It was great to be in a place with so many teachers as passionate about he profession.

After going through this process I fully expect to become a better teacher. Simple? Not really. It will be a long and I’m sure sometimes difficult process but I have learned over the years that you get out what you put in to something. I had a dream the other night and it basically was of me on a bull. I gripped it by the horns and held on. That’s what I plan to do with KFP. We’ve learned many things over the last week and a half. It will be challenging to sort through them all but I’m ready. I want to implement some, but not all. Whatever I do my toolbox is larger. Our project this summer, we haven’t learned that much about it yet but I’m sure it will challenging I it’s own right. Perhaps one of the most awesome possibilities from this experience is going to be the vast network of teachers that will be available to me. I’m rambling but it’s my blog…right?

Perhaps the one thing I expect from Kenan Fellows is the possibility of more doors being opened up to me. So often as educators we feel stuck. If only that is removed I feel I will be a better teacher. But I can always choose to seek other opportunities. Just the thought of it is calming.

I am very excited to be a kenan with you all. I have heard many exciting things about the program and am ready to begin. I hope that everyone is having a good end of the year!