Adapting My Mission

Today I was able to help a colleague integrate technology into his classroom and I realized how much I enjoy helping others integrate tech into their rooms. My colleague came to me and said he wanted a way to organize his classroom library. Currently, the kids fill out a sheet of paper and put it in a basket to check out a book. He told me he was thinking about QR codes. Instantly, I thought Google forms! So during our prep time, I worked with him to help make this become a reality. I loved seeing how excited he was. I felt successful. This made me think that my mission is more than just integrating technology into my own classroom. I want to help integrate technology outside of those four walls. I am convinced that they way to reach these digital natives it through technology. Helping colleagues will in turn help these students to learn. Now I know what I helped with today is not necessarily enhancing learning, but it could empower a student. Imagine a student who does not like to write so doesn't check books out because she is afraid to fill out the form. Now that student is empowered to check out books because the iPad can do the writing for her. Also, this teacher will now be able to work with Google forms in a simple project. As he becomes comfortable, he may find a content and pedagogy to integrate the forms into. Another important aspect to integrating technology is helping teachers to feel comfortable using the technology. This teacher is using the technology is a way where he can become comfortable with it before actually integrating it into a lesson. I can't wait to help more colleagues!