Blogs
Saying goodbye...
Jun 20, 2012 11:46 PM
I don't enjoy saying goodbye. June 30th is my last day at BTOP. I wrote and rehearsed my farewell speech for my BTOP students and I wanted to leave in a honorable way, so today, I was to start off by saying my first goodbye.
I started off my sentence of my well prepared speech, entitled "Here is what you mean to me." Tears started streaming down my face I got choked up, a lump was forming in my throat, I could not finish. I told them, " I'm not ready, I will try again later."
Goodbyes are not easy for me. When I left home for the first time, I did not do the traditional hugs and kisses, I left a note on my Mom's dresser that read: "Mama, you have raised 15 children, I'm # 13, I love you and thank you for raising me up to be a responsible, caring person, I will one day make you proud." I left in the middle of the night. I knew that she would worry sick, that I would not be okay. She always considered me too much of a free spirit and I did not want her to lecture me on, "Fae, you must be careful, and not be so trusting, everyone does not have good intentions, everyone you meet is not your friend and so on, its a dangerous world out there and you are too naive..."
All these things that my Mom would say are embedded in my mind, so I will probably leave my BTOP students with an E-mail.
Here is a little bit of what I might send them -
Although I am your teacher, you have taught me so many things. I have learned from each you many great lessons. with compassion, determination, optimism and hard work anything is possible.
You have inspired me to soar to greater heights, encouraged me to try harder and motivated me to never quit. For these things, I say thank you and farewell!
InterGen With Three T - Tick Tock Tech
Jun 4, 2012 11:57 PM
I have been working quite a bit revising, and making corrections on my papers, designing and creating a logo, creating a brochure, making business cards, writing reflections from cycle three, drafting my final report, revising lesson plans and a heap of home stuff.
I'm am really trying not to take my frustrations out on my husband and family, so I made a note that reads, "I'm busy for the next ____________, so please find food, medicine, money, and anything that I usually help you with in the box with it's label clearly marked." For my husband, I wrote, "I'm available MWF for emergencies, after 11 PM."
Just to mix it up a bit, I wrote a rap song, and mixed some beats for my Action Research Theme:
So, this is how it goes...
Tick- Tick Tech
By Lily F. Pierre
When you come to the lab there's no time or clock
Grab a chair log on let's go click tock!
The old and young work here you see
Learning tech intergeneration-ally
Ages 5-95 that's no prob!
Everyone is welcome, just turn in your blog
There's no need to fear
We help each other here
We got Lily Pierre
Pull up your chair!
The learning don't stop
Join in the click tock
Click enter, scroll down
Stick with it don't frown
We've got bits and bytes
Taking knowledge to new heights
Regardless of age, just have some thirst
Come on in and be immersed
Young and old together as one
Combining wisdom and tech, so much fun!
Click tick tech, that's how we do
Welcome the old, and engaging the new!
Success story, updates and more!
Apr 28, 2012 7:04 PM
Zae Jr., the problem child that I dismissed from the computer lab, came back to class this week. He followed my instructions and delivered a note from his grandmother and a verbal consent from our director. He smiled when we welcomed him back. I gave him some responsibilities of powering off the computers, collecting the handbooks and class monitor.
I have more new students, elders and youth, and they are eager to learn. I am reading a book called "Story Bridges." It is a guide book to conducting intergenerational oral history projects. It has some great tips on conducting interviews, the benefits of working with with elders and questions that help you dig deeper. A quote that stuck with me is from chapter 5, " To be a person is to have a story to tell." Isak Dinesen.
Learning from my actions
Apr 17, 2012 10:51 PM
Cycle two
I am laying out the foundation for my cycle two report to help me understand better how to change what is not working and how to greater improve upon what is working. My surveys are coming in slowly. As far as collecting my surveys, they resist and tell me, " didn't we already answer that last time?" Thus far, from my surveys that I have collected, the students are felling empowered by acquiring the knowledge and they are happy to learn, are not afraid to seek help when I am unavailable. They also mention that new relationships are being established, that the like coming to see their friends and that they are learning. They are showing gratitude and we celebrate any success along the way. I am trying to treat the students as assets where each person brings individuality and worth. Two of my students are deaf, they are twins and in 7th graders. They signed a part of the lesson for us today. When I asked one twin to read the overhead, she replied, " oh, I can't read, " and I thought for a quick moment and replied " what are you doing when you are on Facebook, ? I encouraged them to show us in sign language what the slide said, they did participate. We gave them a hearty applause!
Using the constructivist approach of adjustments and adaptations, I am seeing that the learning is evolving through social interactions; It is uplifting to know that by having the use of technology, we are taking a step forward, I am seeing that my students have endless amount of possibilities for multiple perspectives, a range of interpretation, acquisition and the constructing of awareness, data, authenticity, situation learning and rich project based activities. The students who bring knowledge impart their knowledge on the students who require assistance.
Another new student joined, and I followed through with an established protocol for admissions.
BTW- I have a tough little nine year old boy, named Zae Jr. He causes quite a bit of disturbance. He is not allowed to return to the lab, without a written apology and permission from his parents and Mr. Williams. As far as the code of conduct contract, well, he ripped it up like a Shredder!
A bit about what I am learning and how I am changing
Apr 16, 2012 6:02 PM
I have two new students that started last week. Ernestine, 91, the other is Gertrude she is 90. On Thursday, Ernestine was having a conversation with one of the regular students, Sonny. I overheard him saying, "That's what she is here for, any thing that you want to know, just ask her, she is very helpful and willing to help you." For a moment, I pondered, "Is he talking about me,? " My heart fluttered.
I am learning that all students will not like me and that I may not like them, but I still must obligate myself to teach them from my heart and to the best of my abilities. I am changing and I am learning that I cannot take offense when students do not positively respond to my teaching style. Getting my feeling hurt, getting angry or offended does not help me to grow; I must face my disappointments, and my differences, with a willingness to improve and a desire to grow. In the past, when I have faced disappointments, I would get mad or feel a bit depressed. Today, thanks to MALT, I push up my sleeves, and I say out loud, " its a process, do not give up!"
I am changing my everyday I affirm that my attitude must reflect leadership. I am learning so much about teaching my population of students. When new students come to BTOP, I have found that I will loose them if I don't spend quality time with them after or before class. Just to let them know that I know what it's like to be new at something and that I have empathy and efficacy for them.
Here are components that I have recently implemented:
New students: A student enrollment form, which is essentially a questionnaire to find out what they know and what they expect to learn.
A progress indicator: A physical tool to measure what they are learning, so that they can see how much they have learned.
Relate to the Word of the week, bring something from home that relates to what they are learning.
Each week a youth and elder student, teaches a topic for a day.
Make a connection, make it relevant, put it in context.
Apr 12, 2012 7:44 PM
I have students of various cultures coming to the BTOP Lab. The other day I was reflecting on the importance cultural awareness. ...
Knowing the world and the culture that your students come from, will help to relate and make the classroom environment culturally relevant. What I refer to in this blog is “making a connection”.
Having a prior knowledge of the student’s likes/dislikes, will give the teacher an advantage on cultural awareness.
On day one, not only am I interested in their technical skills and abilities, I want to know things like; what they ate for breakfast, favorite ice cream, color, sports etc. So, I take a student interest survey.
I start my students all off on a blank slate. I encourage interpersonal dialogue between the students and myself. Being an African American, I have taught students from all cultures around the globe.
I have lived and worked in faraway places like UAE-Abu Dhabi, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nigeria Africa. There is one common thread that I have discovered in teaching, and it is teaching from the heart, making a connection.
When you embrace their culture, and are interested in discovering their world, they will open up and learn your world, which is your subject matter. Be it computer science, chemistry or crocheting.
I find it important to bring appreciation and understanding of their backgrounds, and I accept them, not by having them mimic my world, but by appreciating their worlds. It is my initial goals to make a connection, make it relevant make contextualize.
Everyone deserves an opportunity!
Apr 12, 2012 7:37 PM
I'm feeling really disgusted. Regina M. is one of my BTOP students. She is undocumented. She has an opportunity to get a scholarship to go to a school in Chicago. She is about 6'1", and a very competitive basketball player, and a good all around academic student.
All year long, she has come to the computer lab religiously to apply for colleges, research scholarships, write and get help with essays and to gain more computer literacy knowledge. A couple of months in one of our staff meetings we discussed a program for undocumented students called, "Everyone deserves a chance." I gave Regina the information and she shared it with her parents. Just a little while ago, she stormed in all upset, the long of the short is that her parents told her that he needs to get a job and that college is for the people with money.
Her school counselor and her Dad had a falling out. She is so smart and self motivated, I am praying for ways to help her.
Sigh....
Lecture, small groups and individualized
Apr 12, 2012 7:21 PM
In Los Angeles, there are 30 BTOP computer centers, like the one where I work. All the teachers are really fabulous and we get along well. I think that our strong relationships developed during our training sessions. The director, Mr. Dupree, is in charge of the BTOP training program. He designed an opportunity for us to work in groups and we learned from each other, thereby building trust and a desire to work together and learn together.
We meet twice a month for PD's. Here are some reflections on the advantages and disadvantages of the lecture method, small group and individualized teaching for technology teachers.
The advantage of the lecture method is to explore short particular points and to summarize the main idea. The lecture methods allows communicating from the teacher , therefore it may be a disadvantage for the students, since during the lecture methods the teacher is doing all the engaging and the students are taking notes. Another advantage is the use of incorporating overhead audiovisual, varying type of diagram and other aids, to help with addressing the learning needs of all the students.
The disadvantages, in the lecture method, it doesn't reach all of the particular points. The students will find areas that the teacher did not cover in detail and of course, the lecture classroom setting is not designed for individual as well as group activities to aid in a Q&A session.
With respect to small group work, and individualized instructions, it can be very effective if there is a student team leader, who is mature and motivated.
In my experiences, having a class size of twenty plus students, in an inter-generational classroom, some are sharing computers, some are easily disengaged. I often assign a TA. The goal of the TA is to help move the students along, especially those who are struggling with the assignment. It is our goal that every student gains more knowledge each day. In the small group, individualize setting, having strong students blended with the not so strong, and helps to achieve the classroom goals and gives all students the advantage of getting the knowledge.
Some thoughts on testing T/F verses Multiple Choice
Apr 12, 2012 6:57 PM
Advantages –Disadvantages of Multiple choice: and True False
True, false and Multiple-choice testing has its advantages. As a culminating assignment, taking a multiple-choice, and True - False test does help to remind the students of what they have learned and using process of elimination.
A multi-choice, T-F, test can be used as discussion guide during a unit review, or a way to create discussion ideas for future learning works very well for some of my students. When I have given a multiple- choice, T-F, test and have the class discussing the finer points of the subject, I felt that was the most rewarding conversation of the entire course from my students. The disadvantages, however are that the T-F multiple choice testing does not accurately reflect that the material has been learned or concepts grasped. Personally, I prefer a more hands on approach to learning,
A look at Learning....from one of our staff meeting
Apr 12, 2012 6:52 PM
Learning is something that is expected without us even knowing it is. Learning is gaining knowledge on any subject by dedicated and genuine study. Learning is empowering and contributes to success and personal development. Learning allows individuals to overcome barriers, reach milestones, and develop important skills. Learning is natural and happens all the time around us, sometimes inattentively.
Learning is very complex in nature. A dictionary definition may put it in a short sentence, but the true meaning of learning is so much more. Learning is blossoming into a more efficient, more competent and complex you. Learning is discovering new ideas, whether it be in a conventional way similar a classroom, or in an unconscious manner, such as determining what is socially expectable while spending time with peers. Learning is casting a line into a vast ocean, full of new ideas and opportunities, and getting a prize winning catch. It is the key to the world, and something no one can ever take from you.
Learning is trial and error, until you succeed and move on to another escapade. Whether it’s learning your ABC’s, Chemistry, or even your license plate, learning is exciting and something that will never end.
Jun 20, 2012 11:46 PM
I don't enjoy saying goodbye. June 30th is my last day at BTOP. I wrote and rehearsed my farewell speech for my BTOP students and I wanted to leave in a honorable way, so today, I was to start off by saying my first goodbye.
I started off my sentence of my well prepared speech, entitled "Here is what you mean to me." Tears started streaming down my face I got choked up, a lump was forming in my throat, I could not finish. I told them, " I'm not ready, I will try again later."
Goodbyes are not easy for me. When I left home for the first time, I did not do the traditional hugs and kisses, I left a note on my Mom's dresser that read: "Mama, you have raised 15 children, I'm # 13, I love you and thank you for raising me up to be a responsible, caring person, I will one day make you proud." I left in the middle of the night. I knew that she would worry sick, that I would not be okay. She always considered me too much of a free spirit and I did not want her to lecture me on, "Fae, you must be careful, and not be so trusting, everyone does not have good intentions, everyone you meet is not your friend and so on, its a dangerous world out there and you are too naive..."
All these things that my Mom would say are embedded in my mind, so I will probably leave my BTOP students with an E-mail.
Here is a little bit of what I might send them -
Although I am your teacher, you have taught me so many things. I have learned from each you many great lessons. with compassion, determination, optimism and hard work anything is possible.
You have inspired me to soar to greater heights, encouraged me to try harder and motivated me to never quit. For these things, I say thank you and farewell!
InterGen With Three T - Tick Tock Tech
Jun 4, 2012 11:57 PM
I have been working quite a bit revising, and making corrections on my papers, designing and creating a logo, creating a brochure, making business cards, writing reflections from cycle three, drafting my final report, revising lesson plans and a heap of home stuff.
I'm am really trying not to take my frustrations out on my husband and family, so I made a note that reads, "I'm busy for the next ____________, so please find food, medicine, money, and anything that I usually help you with in the box with it's label clearly marked." For my husband, I wrote, "I'm available MWF for emergencies, after 11 PM."
Just to mix it up a bit, I wrote a rap song, and mixed some beats for my Action Research Theme:
So, this is how it goes...
Tick- Tick Tech
By Lily F. Pierre
When you come to the lab there's no time or clock
Grab a chair log on let's go click tock!
The old and young work here you see
Learning tech intergeneration-ally
Ages 5-95 that's no prob!
Everyone is welcome, just turn in your blog
There's no need to fear
We help each other here
We got Lily Pierre
Pull up your chair!
The learning don't stop
Join in the click tock
Click enter, scroll down
Stick with it don't frown
We've got bits and bytes
Taking knowledge to new heights
Regardless of age, just have some thirst
Come on in and be immersed
Young and old together as one
Combining wisdom and tech, so much fun!
Click tick tech, that's how we do
Welcome the old, and engaging the new!
Success story, updates and more!
Apr 28, 2012 7:04 PM
Zae Jr., the problem child that I dismissed from the computer lab, came back to class this week. He followed my instructions and delivered a note from his grandmother and a verbal consent from our director. He smiled when we welcomed him back. I gave him some responsibilities of powering off the computers, collecting the handbooks and class monitor.
I have more new students, elders and youth, and they are eager to learn. I am reading a book called "Story Bridges." It is a guide book to conducting intergenerational oral history projects. It has some great tips on conducting interviews, the benefits of working with with elders and questions that help you dig deeper. A quote that stuck with me is from chapter 5, " To be a person is to have a story to tell." Isak Dinesen.
Learning from my actions
Apr 17, 2012 10:51 PM
Cycle two
I am laying out the foundation for my cycle two report to help me understand better how to change what is not working and how to greater improve upon what is working. My surveys are coming in slowly. As far as collecting my surveys, they resist and tell me, " didn't we already answer that last time?" Thus far, from my surveys that I have collected, the students are felling empowered by acquiring the knowledge and they are happy to learn, are not afraid to seek help when I am unavailable. They also mention that new relationships are being established, that the like coming to see their friends and that they are learning. They are showing gratitude and we celebrate any success along the way. I am trying to treat the students as assets where each person brings individuality and worth. Two of my students are deaf, they are twins and in 7th graders. They signed a part of the lesson for us today. When I asked one twin to read the overhead, she replied, " oh, I can't read, " and I thought for a quick moment and replied " what are you doing when you are on Facebook, ? I encouraged them to show us in sign language what the slide said, they did participate. We gave them a hearty applause!
Using the constructivist approach of adjustments and adaptations, I am seeing that the learning is evolving through social interactions; It is uplifting to know that by having the use of technology, we are taking a step forward, I am seeing that my students have endless amount of possibilities for multiple perspectives, a range of interpretation, acquisition and the constructing of awareness, data, authenticity, situation learning and rich project based activities. The students who bring knowledge impart their knowledge on the students who require assistance.
Another new student joined, and I followed through with an established protocol for admissions.
BTW- I have a tough little nine year old boy, named Zae Jr. He causes quite a bit of disturbance. He is not allowed to return to the lab, without a written apology and permission from his parents and Mr. Williams. As far as the code of conduct contract, well, he ripped it up like a Shredder!
A bit about what I am learning and how I am changing
Apr 16, 2012 6:02 PM
I have two new students that started last week. Ernestine, 91, the other is Gertrude she is 90. On Thursday, Ernestine was having a conversation with one of the regular students, Sonny. I overheard him saying, "That's what she is here for, any thing that you want to know, just ask her, she is very helpful and willing to help you." For a moment, I pondered, "Is he talking about me,? " My heart fluttered.
I am learning that all students will not like me and that I may not like them, but I still must obligate myself to teach them from my heart and to the best of my abilities. I am changing and I am learning that I cannot take offense when students do not positively respond to my teaching style. Getting my feeling hurt, getting angry or offended does not help me to grow; I must face my disappointments, and my differences, with a willingness to improve and a desire to grow. In the past, when I have faced disappointments, I would get mad or feel a bit depressed. Today, thanks to MALT, I push up my sleeves, and I say out loud, " its a process, do not give up!"
I am changing my everyday I affirm that my attitude must reflect leadership. I am learning so much about teaching my population of students. When new students come to BTOP, I have found that I will loose them if I don't spend quality time with them after or before class. Just to let them know that I know what it's like to be new at something and that I have empathy and efficacy for them.
Here are components that I have recently implemented:
New students: A student enrollment form, which is essentially a questionnaire to find out what they know and what they expect to learn.
A progress indicator: A physical tool to measure what they are learning, so that they can see how much they have learned.
Relate to the Word of the week, bring something from home that relates to what they are learning.
Each week a youth and elder student, teaches a topic for a day.
Make a connection, make it relevant, put it in context.
Apr 12, 2012 7:44 PM
I have students of various cultures coming to the BTOP Lab. The other day I was reflecting on the importance cultural awareness. ...
Knowing the world and the culture that your students come from, will help to relate and make the classroom environment culturally relevant. What I refer to in this blog is “making a connection”.
Having a prior knowledge of the student’s likes/dislikes, will give the teacher an advantage on cultural awareness.
On day one, not only am I interested in their technical skills and abilities, I want to know things like; what they ate for breakfast, favorite ice cream, color, sports etc. So, I take a student interest survey.
I start my students all off on a blank slate. I encourage interpersonal dialogue between the students and myself. Being an African American, I have taught students from all cultures around the globe.
I have lived and worked in faraway places like UAE-Abu Dhabi, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nigeria Africa. There is one common thread that I have discovered in teaching, and it is teaching from the heart, making a connection.
When you embrace their culture, and are interested in discovering their world, they will open up and learn your world, which is your subject matter. Be it computer science, chemistry or crocheting.
I find it important to bring appreciation and understanding of their backgrounds, and I accept them, not by having them mimic my world, but by appreciating their worlds. It is my initial goals to make a connection, make it relevant make contextualize.
Everyone deserves an opportunity!
Apr 12, 2012 7:37 PM
I'm feeling really disgusted. Regina M. is one of my BTOP students. She is undocumented. She has an opportunity to get a scholarship to go to a school in Chicago. She is about 6'1", and a very competitive basketball player, and a good all around academic student.
All year long, she has come to the computer lab religiously to apply for colleges, research scholarships, write and get help with essays and to gain more computer literacy knowledge. A couple of months in one of our staff meetings we discussed a program for undocumented students called, "Everyone deserves a chance." I gave Regina the information and she shared it with her parents. Just a little while ago, she stormed in all upset, the long of the short is that her parents told her that he needs to get a job and that college is for the people with money.
Her school counselor and her Dad had a falling out. She is so smart and self motivated, I am praying for ways to help her.
Sigh....
Lecture, small groups and individualized
Apr 12, 2012 7:21 PM
In Los Angeles, there are 30 BTOP computer centers, like the one where I work. All the teachers are really fabulous and we get along well. I think that our strong relationships developed during our training sessions. The director, Mr. Dupree, is in charge of the BTOP training program. He designed an opportunity for us to work in groups and we learned from each other, thereby building trust and a desire to work together and learn together.
We meet twice a month for PD's. Here are some reflections on the advantages and disadvantages of the lecture method, small group and individualized teaching for technology teachers.
The advantage of the lecture method is to explore short particular points and to summarize the main idea. The lecture methods allows communicating from the teacher , therefore it may be a disadvantage for the students, since during the lecture methods the teacher is doing all the engaging and the students are taking notes. Another advantage is the use of incorporating overhead audiovisual, varying type of diagram and other aids, to help with addressing the learning needs of all the students.
The disadvantages, in the lecture method, it doesn't reach all of the particular points. The students will find areas that the teacher did not cover in detail and of course, the lecture classroom setting is not designed for individual as well as group activities to aid in a Q&A session.
With respect to small group work, and individualized instructions, it can be very effective if there is a student team leader, who is mature and motivated.
In my experiences, having a class size of twenty plus students, in an inter-generational classroom, some are sharing computers, some are easily disengaged. I often assign a TA. The goal of the TA is to help move the students along, especially those who are struggling with the assignment. It is our goal that every student gains more knowledge each day. In the small group, individualize setting, having strong students blended with the not so strong, and helps to achieve the classroom goals and gives all students the advantage of getting the knowledge.
Some thoughts on testing T/F verses Multiple Choice
Apr 12, 2012 6:57 PM
Advantages –Disadvantages of Multiple choice: and True False
True, false and Multiple-choice testing has its advantages. As a culminating assignment, taking a multiple-choice, and True - False test does help to remind the students of what they have learned and using process of elimination.
A multi-choice, T-F, test can be used as discussion guide during a unit review, or a way to create discussion ideas for future learning works very well for some of my students. When I have given a multiple- choice, T-F, test and have the class discussing the finer points of the subject, I felt that was the most rewarding conversation of the entire course from my students. The disadvantages, however are that the T-F multiple choice testing does not accurately reflect that the material has been learned or concepts grasped. Personally, I prefer a more hands on approach to learning,
A look at Learning....from one of our staff meeting
Apr 12, 2012 6:52 PM
Learning is something that is expected without us even knowing it is. Learning is gaining knowledge on any subject by dedicated and genuine study. Learning is empowering and contributes to success and personal development. Learning allows individuals to overcome barriers, reach milestones, and develop important skills. Learning is natural and happens all the time around us, sometimes inattentively.
Learning is very complex in nature. A dictionary definition may put it in a short sentence, but the true meaning of learning is so much more. Learning is blossoming into a more efficient, more competent and complex you. Learning is discovering new ideas, whether it be in a conventional way similar a classroom, or in an unconscious manner, such as determining what is socially expectable while spending time with peers. Learning is casting a line into a vast ocean, full of new ideas and opportunities, and getting a prize winning catch. It is the key to the world, and something no one can ever take from you.
Learning is trial and error, until you succeed and move on to another escapade. Whether it’s learning your ABC’s, Chemistry, or even your license plate, learning is exciting and something that will never end.