Locked...

Well, I finally reached the "end of the Internet." Remember that ad? Well, my principal came in last week and quietly informed me that my laptop cart was being locked until "further notice." The reason: kids were sneaking onto game sites and sports sites instead of doing their homework. I had the option to turn the chairs all around and "teach" to their behinds. I took the lock down choice. They really don't always listen all that well when their shiny little faces are turned toward me. I have tried the turn-around thing, and I felt like a huge fool. I have mixed emotions. I told my kids to blame themselves and me. Them, for not staying where they should, and me for not cracking down more. But it takes only a flick of a switch when I walk their way and voila! they are working on a paper! I want a program similar to "Synchron-eyes" that costs a little less and still allows me the ability to see each and every little computer on my own screen, go onto their screen and tell them to get back to work, and also shut down their computer if I need to. It would rock! Kinda pricey, and for some reason, the powers that be don't really like the idea.

You know, I love computers, but it's okay to face a day or so without them at school. It really doesn't faze my teaching, but it sure slows down the grading and revision process. I really think, however, that a child who is "--- bent" on avoiding work by straying to gaming sites will find another way to avoid class work. So far, it has been by an increase in paper wads, a little more mouth, and not much more work if any than I received before.. Most of my kids work and work, but a magical few have "better things" to do.... ummm... yep... So, for all you Halo, World of Warcraft, and etc.... players out there... Thanks... We've been zapped.