Which Path Will You Take?

Movie by GenYes Students a Shining Moment for SCSD

Excerpt: Maybe old platitudes like “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” or “No pain, no gain” have become worn out and tired. But, then again, we have a tendency to forget that teachers do not need to expose themselves to risk when implementing a technology project. First, The Tech Team has two fully-certified K-12 teachers on staff experienced in coaching other teachers about technology integration. All you have to do is ask for help, suggestions, training, coaching and/or some good, old-fashioned TLC and hand-holding.

On April 30 and May 1, Innovate-Educate New Mexico took place at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque. A well-attended show with over 450 teachers and technology leaders from across the state, it was an excellent opportunity for collaboration with peers and a look-ahead to technologies available today and on the horizon. The one horrible technology gaff: Albuquerque Convention Center does not have wireless Internet connections or Wi-Fi available for visitors and attendees. Shame! Shame!

Socorro Consolidated Schools was highly honored by the Open Light Partnership for our partipation in and support of the three Open Light Conferences in 2008-2009 and for our attendance in the RETA Webinar Series. Several of our teachers and technology specialists were featured in a brief movie filmed by Vincent Gargotta entitled Open Light Movie. A link is available on the SCSD Web Page.

Howver, the stars of the conference were three Socorro students named J.R., Joel and Autumn, part of the GenYes program led by Michael Torres. GenYES is an innovative program that creates 21st Century leaders and learners. GenYES students help teachers use technology in classrooms, supporting effective technology integration school-wide. Their film (CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT) made me prouder to be an educator than anything I’ve done since teaching Second Grade. Please watch their movie so you can appreciate the comments that follow. It is also available on the SCSD Web Page.

When we were first asked by Holly Rae Bemis-Schurtz from Open Light to put together something about our participation, it was quite flattering. When the idea to include a separate video by the GenYes students hit me, I had no idea that it would be one of the biggest highlights of Innovate-Educate. The compliments about the efforts of these students were sincere, touching and overwhelming.

The best testament to the success of these students comes from their teacher, Michael Torres. When I congratulated him for the quality of the work and the reception that the GenYes movie received, Michael said, “I didn’t do a thing. They did all the work and they deserve all the credit.” Amen, Mr. Torres.

While it has been my pleasure to oversee the launch of the GenYes program this year and to coach Michael (nominally), the work of J.R., Joel and Autumn gave me a great deal of satisfaction (as well as a great big chuckle). As technology director, my philosophy is to put the technology in the hands of the students and then get out of the way. These three highly-motivated students produced a demonstration of their learning that should make everyone from our district proud (students, teachers, administrators and parents alike). Please join me in applauding their production.

But, the work of J.R., Joel and Autumn leads to me to a question: how many more masterpieces would be created if students were given more opportunities to use technology?

Hmmmmmmmmmmm … in the words of Led Zeppelin, “… and it makes me wonder.” (Stairway to Heaven, 1971)

It is so easy to choose more traditional paths for assessments and grading … things like tests (T/F, multiple guess, short answer, etc.), essays, research papers or oral presentations are comfortable and safe. They’re like an old blanket that we know will keep us warm and feeling snuggly. It is understandable that, for many, technology seems like such a risky path full of unknowns, hidden dangers, man-eating crocodiles and the potential for falling off a ten-thousand foot precipice into boiling oil. After all, why should we take risks if we don’t have to?

Maybe old platitudes like “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” or “No pain, no gain” have become worn out and tired. But, then again, we have a tendency to forget that teachers do not need to expose themselves to risk when implementing a technology project. First, The Tech Team has two fully-certified K-12 teachers on staff experienced in coaching other teachers about technology integration. All you have to do is ask for help, suggestions, training, coaching and/or some good, old-fashioned TLC and hand-holding.

Secondly, although it is difficult, teachers should let go a little and trust their students. You’ll be surprised at what students can do when given a little elbow room. The best part is that technology projects are very easy to share, and it will be even easier next year when we roll-out our new, user-friendly web-site (budget allowing).

So … what masterpieces will your students be creating with technology? Will you let a student become engaged and express their creativity through technology? What path will you, as a teacher and educator, take? Maybe the road less traveled?

In the words of Led Zeppelin:

“Yes, there are two paths you can go by,
But in the long run,
There’s still time to change the road you’re on.
And it makes me wonder.”