Technology for Classroom Practitioners
An interdistrict project funded by the TLCF

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Sue Lednicky

I am a second year computer instructor at Lansing High School. After being there one year I have seen teachers that refuse to use technology in their classrooms. One in particular has been known to openly say "computers scare me". Some of this could be because the teacher doesn't know where to start, how to implement the use of technology into his projects, and more so because he does not know how to use the computer himself and he won't learn. He doesn't necessarily need to know much about the computer himself, he just needs to be able to get the students thinking, doing research and developing their work.

Teachers like this need to realize that there are others who CAN and WILL help them implement the use of technology. There are others that can help them with computer problems. These teachers need to see past their weaknesses and look at what is the best way for their students to learn and to RETAIN this information. All lessons and projects can be turned into problem solving situations. I would like to help these teachers be able to implement the use of technology into their classes, to not be afraid of the computers, and to help their students learn in the best possible ways. This can be done through inservice days and through one-on-one work with these teachers.

All classes can put a variety of software applications to use. Math and Science classes can implement the use of spreadsheets and databases for sorting and calculations. These tables could then be linked to reports and visual presentations. English and History classes already use PowerPoint to some extent, but do they use the other applications. They can also put statistical information to use through their projects. They can implement the use of visual applications to introduce their departments to the students and bring a variety into the classroom.

I would also like to see the other departments work with the computer teachers in coordinating projects. If a history teacher is doing a project that requires a PowerPoint presentation that teacher could work with the computer instructor so that PowerPoint is being taught at the same time. The project could serve a dual purpose (computer project and history project). This could bring about more correlation of what the students are learning which could mean better assessment of the students. I try to relate what the students learn in class to the "outside" world or the "work" world. Students need to be able to know that what they are learning affects their lives now and later on. By working together and implementing technology into all classrooms, this can be done easier.

Technology is going to be in all classrooms all the time in the very near future. Teachers are going to being using more and more visual presentations to support what they are teaching and what students are reading. One day students will be doing all of their work on computers whether it be large ones or laptops. Technology is in all businesses in some fashion or another. One day no one, whether it be at home or at work, will be able to survive without it.