Are Computers All That ?

From schools I have visited I would say there is a 50/50 divide on schools using computers proficiently in the classroom. In the schools I have been at where they use computers in a resourceful way they have set programs in place that are set up by the school and each student has a set goal they must reach on the schools program by the end of certain time periods. These classrooms give students  a certain time block everyday that they must be on their computers working on the program. In all of the classrooms I have observed that do this the students scores are progressively increasing over time and they see the programs as a challenge and like spending time on them. I have also seem parents use this program at home for extra work if a student is struggling. 

I think the hey is to have the program not only on set computers but on a website that students to access their account on any computer.

I have also observed computers being use what I have thought as a negative way in the classroom. I have seen them used as free time or as baby sitters to keep student busy. I think this is fine in certain circumstances but to have a "computer block" that consist of students playing video games that do not benefit the students educationally. I believe this is not just a teacher problem but a school and funds problem because they do not have a program or class in place to help students use computers to benefit their education. 

I believe that computers are such a great tool in the classroom with used in a proper way but in the way of not having a set program and comparing the benefits across different schools that do not use computers in the same format that the information in unjustified and not useful. I think that the knowledge about computers/ technology is currently not being communicated to teachers to be able to use them in a beneficial way, but with time and proper training I think computers will be used in a proper way across schools. 

Being a Great Teacher

In younger grades our students see us as superheroes, they look up to their teachers and see them as these non-realistic people that live at the school and do nothing but teach. It doesn't matter your race, home life, or gender they just see you as their teacher, we do not show them our behind the scenes. No matter how we are feeling, if we are had a bad morning, or whatever is going on outside of our classrooms, we as teachers do not let us effect the way we let our students see us. Teachers truly are the best actors they get to school every morning and put on a mask of enthusiasm until every student has left that classroom for the day.
In younger grades students do not understand that we have other things going on in our lives but as they get older and into upper elementary grades those students start to see your life outside of class and appreciate you in a new light. We still go into class putting everything else behind us but the students now see us with new superpowers of multi-tasking.

"Yeah, there's days where I complain. And the people I complain to think I'm insane because I haven't left this place. But these kids deserve better." -Sara Carter

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