I just started my 15th year as a middle school teacher. Right now, I teach all sorts of computer classes, as I’m the only computer teacher in the building! My classes look something like this:
- 6th grade – PowerPoint, digital photography, web research, etc.
- 7th grade – digital video, video editing, podcasting, etc.
- 8th grade – Web 2.0, information & media literacy
- 8th grade (advanced) – live broadcasting, advanced movie making
- extra curricular – multimedia-based fund raisers and student journalism / blogging
I’m looking forward to this class because I’ve been spending quite a bit of time over the last few years trying to convince my school/district to change its policies on mobile technologies. Right now, students are forbidden to use them at all–they must be hidden in their lockers at all times. Teacher are also not even allowed to connect their own equipment to the school network, and they are forced to also keep their cell phones hidden from students at all times. Yes, we have a ways to go! Hopefully this damage can be reversed!
This is currently my 2nd year in my Master’s program for Learning, Design, and Technology. I’m hoping that with a degree attached to my name that I will be able to be a more influential force for educational change in my district.
![robot-teacher_v1[1]](https://sites.psu.edu/mts266insys597a/wp-content/uploads/sites/6131/2013/09/robot-teacher_v11.jpg)
Yes! I agree. Your classes do sound awesome. Give it time. As more applications are developed for classrooms and more schools use the mobile technologies, your school will follow and model. Look forward to hearing your perspectives on things.
Your classes sound awesome 🙂 I’m looking forward to working with you this semester and hopefully learning from you!