I work at an alternative school where the students complete thier courses online. So we have desktops and laptops available for students to use. One thing that I would like to see is updated computers and software. Most computers are running an older version of Microsoft Word.. It would be nice to have that updated. When I go to GVSU computer lab and work on something, I always have to remember to save it in the older version format. I would also like to have tall tables in the room so that when students are tired of sitting, they can take a laptop and stand at a table for a while.
Our principal here has been very supportive about technology trainings etc. I'm really thankful for the principal's that we have.
Comments from the students: They are complaining about not being able to have access to Google and other websites. We block those sites so that they can get more work done in thier classes, otherwise students would be on Facebook and Youtube all day long...and it has happened in years past. (The first year that I was here, there were fights that would break out during school because of comments put on Facebook!) Most of the teachers are on board with this and we have noticed a big difference in the amount of lessons completed by students. We do have a couple of music (non video) websites that they can go to and listen to music while they are working. We do unblock Google for some...depending on if they need it for research or if they need Dictionary.com for thier English class, but it is on an individual bases.
Teachers: Teachers are enjoying calmer more focused students this year. It's early in the year, but we are determined to change the atmosphere of our school for the good. We would like to have an atmosphere that is safe, successful, with positive attitudes and where the students can take pride in our school. We are getting push back from some - but it is only a few. We have rewards for students who cooperate and it seems to be working. We as teachers understand that it is hard for students to sit in front of a computer all day, there are plans of adding some offline blended learning - however that has not started yet.
Administrators: Are happy to see that the teachers and staff are on board and that the school climate is changing...for the better. They are very supportive of staff training and are willing to help us out.
I think it's pretty standard practice to block social networking sites during the school hours, so students can complain but I don't see that getting them anywhere. Heh.
ReplyDeleteI'll be very interested in hearing about your experiences with the offline blending learning . . . so keep me in mind when you have experiences to share.