My school has "Tech Tuesday's". This is where teachers offer to do trainings on a variety of technology topics. I have done one already on Animoto this year and this week I offered a session on Skype. I got new computers in my lab at the end of last year. One of my requirements for the computers were that the monitors have built in webcams (for Skyping and other technologies that may come up). I also had Skype installed on all the computers so if students have Skype accounts they can contact anyone they need.
I have used Skype with my classes when I have been home with a sick child and students have Skyped with me for help on a problem or for me to give directions. I set up a couple of colleagues to assist me with Skype (so I knew someone would be online to chat with). Jessica Brogley a former teacher at Seymour and Sandy Heiden (Library Media Specialist for high school). I had one teacher from the district attend that had never used Skype before, and other great friend who came for moral support (thanks CeCe).
I think the session went fine, got new an account on Skype and she called someone. We did end up demonstrating how to have a conference call via Skype and had 6 people talking. I also showed the people how to sign up for Skype in the classroom. One other great tip I like about Skype is the ability to share computer monitors to see what the other person is doing on the computer.
Here is my question. Out of the 50 teachers in the high school only 1 came (the other for moral support too). Was the topic not relevant to them? Do they not see the need to learn technology? Do they not like my presentation style? Did they already know the content? These are all questions I have but don't have answers for. It is easy for me to say well I won't do that again, or should I?
I think you are a fabulous teacher and presenter. I always enjoy learning from you. Keep up your hard work! You do influence others!
ReplyDeleteI have never used Skype (though I know several friends who use it frequently) and had your Tech Tuesday session in my calendar to come. When it came down to the day, I got busy with other stuff and any "non-essential" items on my schedule got booted in favor of trying to get caught up. My non-attendance was a result of MY own time management issues, not lack of presentation skills/relevance/etc. I'm sorry! (And feel super guilty now...)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to keep up the enthusiasm, isn't it? I can totally relate. With that being said, I think it's important to keep bringing the importance of technology integration to the surface. The door is always open and hey, it's their choice to walk through. Keep learning new things and offering support.
ReplyDeleteFYI - I finally used Skype with students this spring and it was AWESOME. Sure, I have used it personally for years, but if I hadn't learned about it back then, I would never have tried it now.
Keep it up.