I have never shied away from the integration of technology because it is blatantly obvious that the students we are responsible for educating are constantly engrossed on a daily basis.  Therefore I have always made a conscious effort to plug it into my planning and make it an integral part of my method of delivery of some key concepts.  However, within the past two years my greatest challenge for leveraging technology in my classroom to empower the learning experience has been the lack of adequate resources.   My school has grown exponentially with the addition of K-5 two years ago. With this addition, the already tight pickings now has to be spread across K-12 grade levels.

Elementary grades now add a whole new dimension which consist of utilizing data [benchmarks] to drive the progression of lessons.  The occasional testing means that getting into the computer lab is usually nonexistent for weeks at a time since it’s a shared resource.   No fault of the elementary school, all the computers in the school are off limits during this time which can be a bit of an annoyance although I understand the relevancy of the assessments.

One other option would be to assign the students off site assignments but that usually does not yield the outcome that I would rather see.  The issue here is that our school is truly a diverse community and with that I have recognized a huge disparity between the haves and the haves not.  The students who does have the means does an amazing job in execution; model student.  On the other hand, the kids who are barely making it neglects to complete the assignments not for malicious reasons, but because of their socioeconomic standings.  The end result here is that the population who would mostly benefit from this exposure misses out on the auditory and visual stimulation.  I encourage going to the library but some of our students carpool; if they miss that ride who knows what time they will make it home.

Finally, the lack of an actual introduction class to all things technology is missing from the curriculum.  In taking such a class, the students who does not have access at home will not be at a disadvantage.  Unless you are a technology teacher, time spent guiding students to adequately execute basic skills takes away from your already limited time you have to teach that subject.

In closing in spite of these obstacles, I am always seeking and looking for that window of opportunity to integrate technology when I can and is very pleased with the wealth of resources I have acquired thus far.  I am optimistic and very excited at the prospect of introducing many of these activities to my students when the opportunity presents itself.

The highlight of the NCCAT trip is by far going rafting since I had never done this before.  Living in the tropics there are no shortage of rivers and streams so just meandering along on the river gave me a feeling of peace.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to converse with individuals who are excited about their experiences and were thrilled to share.  This was not another typical PD where I just  sat and had individuals promote a books they wrote.  I was in the presence of other educators excited about sharing tools and practices they have implemented in their classroom that were productive in educating young minds.  With an entire year to go I am convince that I will have more tools than I know what to do with.  I had fun and left feeling empowered.   Absolutely amazing!

My ultimate objective as an educator is to prepare students to be productive in this ever growing technological society.  This opportunity to be a Kenan Fellows will afford me the ability to expose myself and my students to new innovations.  It would also grant me exciting networking opportunities with likeminded individuals who share interests in research, reflection, and a passion for educating youths. I am extremely ecstatic at the prospect of acquiring an arsenal of projects/activities and ideas from my peers that will pique their interest in science education. Who else to collaborate with but the soldiers who are in the educational trenches daily. I have heard enough testimonials to be optimistic that if I bring a level of excitement to teaching, my students will bring a level of enthusiasm and not feel remove from the lessons.  Students will embrace learning; become and remain active participant in the learning process.  Additionally, Kenan has reenergize me to cultivate a classroom that is relevant and fun!

The wealth of resources that I have gained from this experience will continue to cultivate my passion for Science and technology so that I can guide students to seek after careers in these field of studies.  Finally, I have heard the statement being echoed by many, “once a Kenan fellows, you are a fellow for life”.  I truly believe that I have just forged lifelong partnerships that will continuously provide me with the tools necessary to morph with the times and not become obsolete as an educator. Now that I am a Kenan, I will remain relevant in this ever changing global society and the students who lives I have touched due to this experience, will carry on to be independent thinkers and problem solvers.

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