NORMAN

The tandem of Mr. Billy Martin and Mrs. Ann Martin made good presentation for their theme, “10 Great Technology Projects for your Classroom”.

They showed how the Hong Kong Academy has developed a system that established a collaborative teachers-integrator relationship. This provided a project driven framework for K-8 teachers to integrate technology in their teaching environment. This system worked as follows: the Tech-Staff develop skills and databases; then, the Teacher with the Integrator plan the Project, determine the skills and input the project information; next, the student participates in the project which upon its completion the teacher and integrator review and reflect on it; then, the Tech Staff updates and generates the progress report.

The 10 actual projects of students were then presented. They were great projects. They showed students’ computer skills are up to the challenge. They highlighted the creativity of students when guided properly.

I do not have to wait for the system to be established because it just merely incorporated all the elements necessary to make up the database and guidelines for student projects and their assessments. In my classroom, I can already let my students create projects akin to what the Martin’s have presented as long as I have a clear rubric and guidelines. Technology-integrated projects are easy to do when students are motivated and are allowed to explore their creativity.

The presentation showed me proof that students can do exemplary subjects when their teachers believe in them. I got the impression that Billy and Ann made every effort to show to their students their encouragement and support. Thus, they prove that it is essential for a teacher to trust the ability of their students. The latter will simply respond to how the teachers view them.

Moreover, Billy and Ann showed how an effective team presentation is. They assigned themselves of particular topics. Each of them spoke when it was their turn. There was no unnecessary interjection from either of them. They showed their depth of knowledge for computers. They exuded confidence and pride of their work. They truly were concern to educating the youth beyond any self-serving reasons.

I applaud those who place education above self-serving motives. Teaching is not a profession but a vocation.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 7th, 2006 at 5:06 am and is filed under EARCOS 2006. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.