Have you ever thought you were just the same as everyone else in the world? You had the same things every other teacher across the US had? Throughout my first year of teaching I actually fell into the routine where I assumed and forgot about those who had less. I know it was kind of stupid to think that but when you’re in a district where every school has a projector in each classroom, netbooks are a dime a dozen, and students get designated computer time each week you begin to think every other district in the world has the same. After a recent trip to a music ed conference my thoughts were reverted back remembering all of the music classrooms I’ve been in that certainly could have used tech but didn’t have any. I was talking to a bunch of educators who were telling me they have never had a projector in there classroom..I’ve had the privilege of one in each of my classrooms mounted to the wall. Some don’t have access to computer for students..I have access to ComputersOnWheels anytime I want them. We are in a rebuilding stage in our economy but when a district like mine who has lots of low income families and not a huge budget can get special help to provide students with this equipment can get it, others can too. Of course the tech that one is provided cannot be a crutch used to teach and be the overall direction of the class. It is supposed to be there to enhance a student’s educational experience providing visuals and concept reinforcement activities for each child to better their education. I was so grateful for the technology I was given I had told my mother who also works in the district about it. She was so impressed by my stories and words she went up to the Superintendent (who happens to frequent the same gym she does at the same time every morning) about what I said and he was so surprised about how thankful I was.
All in all I count my blessings when it comes to technology in my classroom. I feel it’s overall helped me become a better person so I try to involve my students with it hoping to give them the same experiences I had…and I have to tell you, the thing my students remember most about music class this year?? using the computers!