Tech Debates

The point-counterpoint presentations were an engaging way of informing us of current tech concerns facing teachers. For instance, I did not know video games could be so successfully incorporated into a course, as with the college econ class. I was also oblivious to the fact some students could change the computer settings to get access to screened websites!

Initially, I had not considered that online grading could be controversial or problematic (beyond technical issues of the system crashing, or grades being lost). My mentor teacher told me she keeps a separate record and prints off the reports to protect herself from potential technology mishaps. While overly paranoid parents who stress when grades are not immediately posted seems annoying, I think that any parental involvement should be encouraged. While the happy medium is preferable, I would rather parents check grades too eagerly, than be completely uninvolved with their child’s performance in school.

The important thing to remember, which my mentor teacher has advised I should apply to all my dealings with parents, is to be firm with my procedures and not promise them anything I cannot deliver. For instance, I should never claim that I will have my grades posted by a specific deadline. Also, if I’m playing telephone tag with a parent, I should not leave a message indicating when I’ll call them. By resisting the temptation to make these promises, I will leave much of the responsibility with the parents to follow up on their student. Of course, I will make it abundantly clear that they can contact me to request information about their child at any time, and I’d be happy to respond. I think the process of educating ideally should be a collaborative effort so I will support opportunities to enact this level of engagement.