SDSherry
says
Okay, I am about to start iPad training in a district where the teachers are not assigned their own iPads and they do not have the rights to download ANYTHING. Getting a paid app is a "process" and takes a bit.
SDSherry
says
Yikes! This is going to be interesting!
then why are they having you do training???
Been there. 
Are you doing the training or are you participating in it? Sounds rough.
SDSherry
says
I am doing the training. I spoke to one of the tech guys and he did say they are looking to change the way they are doing things and perhaps my visit will help with that.
SDSherry
says
I just have to figure out how to do a full day training tomorrow without frustrating the heck out of the teachers.
SDSherry
says
They sent me a list of the apps they DO have on the iPads. It is very short, but I will start there.
SDSherry
says
Send good vibes my way tomorrow!
teach4chocolat
says
Hmmm, I didn't know you were visiting our district!! 
✿honeymic
says
I'll be thinking of you Sherry. They are lucky to have you!
shirky17
says
What apps do they have?
SDSherry
says
As I just looked over the list I would say they have a secure browser and that's all! Sigh! This is not going to be fun.
SDSherry
says
I hate sessions where I am doing all the talking and they just watch. You just don't learn that way.
SDSherry
says
AND I'm going to have to keep my mouth SHUT and not let the teachers know how completely stupid this is!
teach4chocolat
says
No! SDSherry - I hope you didn't keep your mouth shut, because you could lead the change that the district needs to truly utilize technology effectively! Seriously, if it wasn't for Kevin Honeycutt, our school
teach4chocolat
says
would still have youtube blocked and much more! Many districts won't listen to the teachers, but a guest speaker can carry a lot of change! 
SDSherry
says
teach4chocolate: Oh, I won't be that quiet, but I don't want to rile the teachers up and cause THEM more frustation. I have already expressed my disapproval to the curriculum director and I haven't even walked
SDSherry
says
through the door yet!
"i have the knowledge of the world at my fingertips and i use it to wathc videos of cats and start arguments with people i dont know"
SDSherry
says
Wow! Pretty sure tech hates me already! AND I have requested a meeting with them at the end of the day to offer my suggestions. I told them I am not here to boss them around, but perhaps I have a few ideas
SDSherry
says
that could make things easier. Airplay is blocked and when I tried to tell one of the guys that there are ports that need to be open, he already fought me. "That might let in a virus." UGH!!!
SDSherry
says
But the teachers love me and that is all I care about!
tech is there to make it work for the teachers
SDSherry And we love you too.
GingerLewman
says
I try to keep teachers calm by asking them what message I they'd like me to take back to admin. And assure them I will do it for them.
GingerLewman
says
It usually calms em down a bit. I also encourage them how to advocate calmly w a full plan of use/correction in mind for when things go bad.
SDSherry
says
GingerTPLC: You and I think alike. That was exactly what I did. I met with the tech director and the curriculum director and I gave them a ton of advice (whether they wanted it or not!)
SDSherry
says
It turns out that they have a new tech director (he has only been there for a month.) While he recently came from the business world, he was a teacher first. He is struggling with how things are and was glad
SDSherry
says
that my opinions backed his! Woohoo! I don't think we are looking at immediate change, but this guy totally gets it. I am happy!
SDSherry
says
Now to finish prepping my model lessons for tomorrow!
teach4chocolat
says
Yeah!!! Way to plant those seeds! Even if they don't grow right away, they will sooner or later because of the ground work you've done.