Tuesday, February 17, 2009

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.

4 comments:

Becky K. said...

Twenty years ago we would not have dreamed that a post like this would have ever been written. It all seemed so expensive and crazy that our technology could go this far. That each student could have their own computer in a classroom was sci fi.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

My son is dysgraphic,and it took us forever to get the school to allow him to carry a laptop. Knowing the world of warcraft temptation, we would not allow him to download games on the computer. It makes me crazy when I get an email or IM from him in the middle of the day. He's a junior, and a really good kid, but I keep telling him that if he uses that laptop for anything but school work while he is there, he may lose it. Just one more new thing for the kids and the school system to figure out. I am impressed with how well you deal with these things.
♥, Susan

Lisa Pogue said...

Gosh, the sad thing is, adults do this too at work. I'm sure they do that is. Ha.

I LOVE your new header. You even have your green purse and collie in it!!

Becca Watson said...

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