My response to the SETDA Teacher Survey

After taking the survey I think it pointed out several things for me as an educator. First, I need to be using more student-directed technology in the classroom. Of course, being a project-based or product-oriented class such as Art sometimes the method of delivery does not lend itself well to technology. After all, when students come to Art class they want to paint or make something from clay, they don't want to feel as though they are in a computer class. They want to DO and not just look. So, for me, I feel as though I am in a difficult situation. I must apply technology when I can; I do. However, I have to let my students experience as much as possible when they are in my classroom. Another factor in NOT having more student-directed technology in the classroom for me is time. I see the students approximately seventeen to nineteen times a year; that's all. Add to that limited number of days the fact that we also must produce grade-level shows that I have to commit to and you have really scaled the number of classes down. Oh, let us not forget the field trips, fire drills, and field days that also take away from my class time with my students. So, I do want to do more, but I feel as though my hands are truly tied. The second thing I think the survey brought to my attention is that I am more technology-literate than I think. I guess I feel behind where the teenagers are concerned, however I do know quite a bit about technology and use it in the classroom. We are on Youtube in class, we use Tumblebooks, and I even use United Streaming. So, for me, it was a bit of a boost and a reminder that I am literate and I do have technology in my classroom that I am proud of.