B.J. Berg

I am not a “digital native”. I don’t even proclaim to be very fluent in the use of technology. I do what I need to get by…but am excited about the opportunities that are afforded me through the use of technology.

Reflections

As an elementary student I was able to ‘view’ the first computer in my hometown school district when I was in 6^th grade. Our science teacher was able to acquire an Apple computer through a grant. The computer sat in a corner of his room and was used by a limited number of students, mainly to play games. 

When I began my junior year in high school we were all expected to take typing class. I began with a manual typewriter and then halfway through the semester was able to upgrade to an electric typewriter with a whiteout ribbon. What a joy! During my time at college, a shift began to happen. Some of my professors required me to submit papers via computer. I learned on the fly how to “set things up” and create a word-processed document. I finally was able to purchase my first personal computer in 1992, my final year of college; e-mail was not available to me yet.

I recently acquired an iphone. This is a remarkable device! Now I search for the latest app; e-mail; surf or research on the net; check and submit reports; check the local temperature and wind chill prior to recess; download You Tube videos for professional development activities with staff; connect with LCD projectors for large group presentations; text with friends and family; make phone calls....Isn’t technology amazing?

In February I attended a MESPA Institute session by Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D. called, “Social Media in the Elementary School Classroom:  why and how?” During this session Dr. McLeod talked about blogs, wikis, podcasts, Twitter, and Skype and the role that each could play within the elementary setting. Having limited background with these tools, I was inspired. At the tailend of the presentation my teenage daughter texted me while on her bus ride home from school. I told her about the session I was attending and asked if she had the opportunity to use any of these “tools” in her classes. She answered, “No, but it sounds cool!” Later that night I called and asked her if she would be interested in learning more about and exploring some of the things discussed earlier that day. We are now in the process of downloading video from a family trip to post a segment on YouTube! We are also exploring the uses of wikis and blogs in our afterschool “discovery” sessions together!

Perspectives

Our world is changing rapidly due to technology. Our schools need to try and keep pace with these changes. We are assessing and tracking student progress, warehousing and using data to make decisions, communicating with parents and community members, placing interactive whiteboards in classrooms, etc. Much of what we use is for our own benefit as educators. I know that many of you are very comfortable using blogs, wikis, and podcasts. Many of you are probably wondering, “How has he survived in the digital world this long”?  I am writing to remind each of you that many of our staff members may not be “digital natives” or very tech savvy, but each of us can learn if given the opportunity.

Leading by Example

It is important to be able to lead your staff by example. Show them that you are “in tune” and thus supportive of their technology endeavors. Take the time to learn even more, but share your newfound knowledge with your staff. Take time to teach what you have learned. Share with staff how these tools have benefitted you and can in turn benefit them and their students. Set aside the time to share what is being used by other staff and brainstorm ideas for future or expanded use. The ultimate goal will be to use the technology at hand in allowing students to interact and apply the many tools available to ultimately enhance their learning. 

If a “non-digital-native” like me can do it, you can, too.