Oh Pencil and Paper, Where Did You Go?

A disclaimer:  My use of technology terminology is so far off base.  If you happen to come across me using the wrong word to describe something, chalk it up to an old lady trying to be hip.

Technology.  At my age it is considered a swear word.  One of those words that makes the heart beat faster - and not because of excitement.  Technology.  It makes me reach for my bottle of Xanax and a glass of water.  Open a Chromebook in front of me and I won't even need that glass of water!  Technology.  Why?  Didn't I learn just fine without it.

Ok, now some of you are reaching for that Xanax.  You think - hey, lady...get with the times.  Chromebooks are not that difficult.  Just give it a try.  There is so much out there for your students and you to use. 

You are right. 

Being a teacher leader means stepping out of your comfort zone and doing what's best for kids.  Then taking what you've learned and teaching it to others.  Domain IV in the Teacher Leader Model Standards suggests that leaders should facilitate improvements in instruction and student learning.  Maybe pencil and paper is not always the best option.  I learned that lesson in the past couple of weeks.  If you've read my previous blog, you'll know I started using Kidblog to have students "talk" about the novel we are currently reading.  How did that happen?  How did I decide to try using a program that was completely foreign to me and out of my comfort zone?  Well, the technology coach at my building wrestled me to the ground and with his knee on my neck made me swear I'd try it out.

Ok, maybe it wasn't quite that violent, but it definitely was an arm twisting and a guilt trip to someone who has a very hard time saying, "No."  I "decided" to join a group the Technology Coach in my building was getting started.  It is a group of six English teachers who meet once every couple of weeks and talk about how we are using technology in our classrooms and/or how we could use technology in our classrooms.  The abilities in the group range from me (scared shitless of technology) to an expert and everywhere in between.  The group is small and the coach is really good, so I feel comfortable listening and asking questions.  One of the teachers in the group was using Kidblog and said she would help me get started.  She did.  I'm using it.  And everything is going well.  Kids are engaged, especially those who don't raise their hand to give their thoughts.  I always struggle with how to get them involved in class conversations in a non-threatening way.

But the important part of my story is that I went to another dinosaur like myself and taught her the program and all the benefits it has in class.  She is going to try it out too.  This would never have happened if it weren't for our school's Technology Coach. 

What's the moral of my story?  I have no idea.  But one thing I do know is that there is a wealth of knowledge in your school's building (or even online -- a great blog for ideas is Ed Tech Geekette - thanks Sami).  Use it!  Find someone who can help you become a better teacher and then help someone else.  Being a leader means not only being a good teacher, but helping someone else be a good teacher too.