Digital Divisions and Lack of Provisions

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to attend the CUE Conference for educators in Palm Springs.  This conference focuses on technology in education, including all forms of mobile media, devices, computers, Smart Boards, and much more.  I learned many new things from this experience.  I can’t say that I have a plethora of new ideas and strategies to use in my classroom on Monday, but I do have a new perspective on what I DON’T HAVE!  I also have a new respect for myself as an educator because I am insuring that my students are competitive and successful academically, socially, and morally.  Now, I just have to determine how I will insure they can compete in a technologically driven society that is not going to forgive them for not being prepared to master the digital world!

Digital divisions and lack of provisions will keep otherwise brilliant and highly capable children from accessing equal opportunities for success.  In one session I attended, the instructor shared a program with teachers that required daily use of a Smart Board.  We have a Smart Board in our technology lab, but the students attend the lab for 40 minutes per week which is equivalent to 1600 minutes per year, equaling about 27 hours!  In short, my students will have used a Smart Board for one and 1/8 days in the course of a full school year!  Wow!!!  Is that sufficient time in comparison to those who have access to a Smart Board 5 hours per day, 5 days per week?  That equals 25 hours per week; 2 hours short of what my students will get in a school year! Those students will have Smart Board education 1,000 hours per year compared to mine who will have 27 hours in a year!  And that was just my first workshop…proving the digital division is wider than I thought!

Another session I attended opened my eyes to the real lack of provisions for many students.  This session was interesting and useful to me as an educator.  It showed me how my students can use Voice Threading as a means for sharing their work online.  I instantly thought of how my students could read their poetry, show their artwork, and really be proud of their writing if they could use Voice Threading.  Well, here is my next dilemma.  There is a free program to use, but of course it limits the amount of actual voice threading that can be uploaded.  Why would I want to use the free program and not be able to have all my students’ voices heard?  That’s not going to happen.  Will there be money in our school’s budget to purchase the full program?  Of course not! We don’t have the money in next year’s budget to purchase our nurse, psychologist, or counselor for a sufficient block of time.  Oh well, I guess I will utilize the free program for now and possibly the children can work in groups and read group poetry as opposed to individual poems.  The divide is wide!

Later, I attended a highly interactive and exciting workshop on Higher-Order Thinking.  My first thought was that I would get differentiation strategies for my gifted students.  Well, I was way off base!  The presenter used a Smart Board and “clickers,” a device that the audience members use to respond to the presenter’s prompts or questions.  Oh my, isn’t that what Oprah’s audience members used on a show where Dr. Oz asked health questions and the audience responded with these “clickers?”  At that point, I was really angry sitting in this session with a “clicker” that my students and I have never even seen before!  When the presenter asked a geometry question and everyone clicked in their responses, the data was shown on his Smart Board!  How impressive, amazing, and engaging, all the things that make learning exciting and memorable!  Maybe my students can use old-fashioned, hand-held white boards, write their answers, and hold up the boards!  Then, all I have to do is count and record all 25 responses without losing my students’ attention! Right!!

Lastly, the session that I was most anticipating and cost the most to attend, was called iBootcamp.  This three-hour workshop focused on ways to use an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad in the classroom.  In the beginning I was a little befuddled because who can assume that our students have all these “i’s” to use at school?? I felt a little better after the second hour because I was able to use my iPod Touch (purchased through Donors Choose).  The only problem was that my iPod Touch was not the “newer generation” so the picture-taking capabilities were not there.  My iPod Touch has no camera because they were not made at the time when mine was donated!  Nevertheless, I was engaged because at least I learned some useful applications.  I was told that my students can use the single iPod Touch for Story Robe, an application that gives them the platform for writing a story, adding pictures, and recording it.  Hopefully, somehow I can get a microphone to go with the “old generation” iPod Touch so my students can record their stories.   It was also in this session that the audience was asked, “Who has an iPad; who has a Mac Book Pro; who has an iPod Touch; who has an iPhone?” The presenter needed to determine the needs and the abilities of his audience.  Well, I was not the only one who didn’t have an iPhone or iPad, but I was the only one who had not yet used any “apps” with my students.  I have never been one to act like I know if I don’t or act like I have something that I don’t have so I figured why start now. Go ahead and keep that one and only hand raised so that you can LEARN!!  Aside from being looked at by the lady next to me like I was this poor little under-privileged teacher when I told her that my school did not have the resources to utilize the “apps” the presenter was sharing, I walked away from that session feeling more amazing and awesome than ever!

I am amazing and awesome because just like Mary McLeod Bethune who started a school with $0.25 or Marva Collins who taught the lowest achieving students to master Shakespeare and believe in their God-given gifts, I too am making a lasting impact on my students with or without 21^st century technology in my classroom.  The digital divisions and lack of provisions cannot be rectified overnight, but if we all spread the word and demand our voices are heard, maybe we can at least “click” our ways into success, and someday add a few more hours to our Smart Board experiences.

When a Woman Prays 

When a woman prays

God listens and lives are saved

If my mother, Gloria, had not prayed for me

Teenage pain would have shrouded my certainties

And my hopes would have died in the fists of my enemies

When a woman prays

God sends angels of protection and mercy to work

If generations of Big Mamas had not prayed for change

There would be no integration in education

or an Obama Inauguration

When a woman prays

God opens doors and children are spared

If our sisters had not prayed while clutching church pearls

Birmingham would have lost more than 4 little girls

When a woman prays

God creates divine order and nations are changed

If our daughters had not prayed

In the South, we would have stayed

And a Great Migration would never have been made

When a woman prays

Leaders are created

lost jobs are reinstated

Treasures are found

And queens are crowned

Gaps are closed

prolific writings are composed

Children leave protected

And family traditions are respected

Lost teens come home clean

And going to college becomes routine

When a woman prays

The addict’s veins refuse the past

God is answering what every woman has ever asked...

“Dear God, comfort, lead and guide

Keep your angels at our mother’s side.

Help our husband’s minds to stay on you

Protect our sons in all they do.

Show our nation’s leaders the right choices to make

Our fathers and daughters, don’t ever forsake.”

God touched my heart as my eyes shut

And He answered me with clarity,

“You have to keep praying no matter what!”

Mommie's Big Shoes

I remember when I was a little girl, I would get on a chair to reach the high-heeled shoes in Mommie’s closet.

Wearing those sparkly, fancy, elegant stilletos made me feel big inside and tall and lovely outside.

Then I would put on her cocktail dress that I knew was meant for a queen.  I would toss my pressed and messed hair to the side, and imagine I walked the runway like the Simplicity models on the sewing packages.

I recall the days like yesterday.  

Looking in her full-length mirror, holding a fake cigarette, while blowing smoke so sexily out of the corner of my mouth,

I was being my Mommie.

Then I learned to teach because she brought me teacher books and papers to grade, and I had a class full of naughty kids in my bedroom everyday.

With the whistle around my neck, gradebook in my hand, and chalk dust all over the room,

I was being my Mommie.

I wore the big shoes that only a great teacher wears

I clicked the heels of the big shoes that only a Mommie wears

I tied the laces of the big shoes that were simply my little baby-shoes, but I called them my GoGo boots

Today, as I realize that my GoGo boots don’t fit,

The high-heels she wore will never be worn by me,

And the teacher shoes are out of style,

I guess the only shoes left for me are my own,

The ones she taught me to walk in proudly

Because I will never be able to fill my Mommie’s big shoes.

Spur of the Moment Poetry by JoyEleven 1-17-11

Gloria’s Halo

The brightest one there could ever be

Guided her to the place where her soul was set free

No suffering and no pain

Glowing as a rainbow after a winter’s rain

Mommie’s Halo

Basking us in God’s amazing light

Always showing us what is good and what is right

Her journey is a story we all can tell

From students long ago, to family and friends who knew her well

Nanny’s Halo

Her children’s shroud of protection and love

Now a spiritual gift from Heaven above

To feel her love and peace within

Until that precious day when we meet again.

In Memory of my Glorious Mother

Gloria 
(June 21, 1934 - December 28, 2010)

Dear cancer...

As I approach Thanksgiving, I have many things for which I am eternally grateful.  I also feel conflicted in my heart and spirit because of the anger I feel towards my mother's cancer.  I am angry, bitter, and full of rage at the disease that puts my mother in a state of "dis-ease."  I am purging my feelings here in order to move forward with a spirit of eternal gratitude, because I am most grateful that she is still here with me.

Dear cancer,
I refuse to capitalize your name simply because you do not deserve a title of importance.  I teach my students that everything important gets capitalized and you are not important.  You may be powerful, but you are certainly not important.  I am writing this letter to you to express my heart-felt bitterness I have towards you.  It is my prayer that you will find no place to reside in my mother's body and that you will flee immediately.

I know that you didn't realize whose body you had invaded, you were on a blind attack.  If you knew then that you were attacking a woman who has done and continues to try to do more for everyone before herself, then you probably never would have even noticed her.  She has done more for friends, family, students, and humanity than anyone I know.  She is not your average woman, but by now you have figured that much out.  She's not a quitter and she's not weak, she is a fighter!  Do you see that your struggle with her is becoming more difficult?  Do you sense the chemotherapy destroying you faster than you could destroy her?  Then, by all means, feel free to evacuate, but please don't leave any traces of yourself behind.

There are a few things that I am sure most people don't ever say to you, but I would like to say them now.  cancer, you have helped my mother eliminate some of her bad habits and you have made her open herself more to the blessings and powers of God.  For that, I thank you.  But she could have done those things without you, so go ahead and see yourself out.

Sincerely,
An important person writing on behalf of an even more important MOTHER!

Gratitude List:
1.  Health and healing in body, soul, and mind
2.  Doctors who know what's best and are selfless givers
3.  Family support
4.  Unexpected blessings from unexpected people
5.  Being able to rely on God for all things and trust in Him to make them happen

4th Graders Disguised as Adults

Unfortunately, our legal system does not excuse teachers from serving Jury Duty.  I decided to respond to the latest threatening summons, hoping that I would be excused by the end of the day without having to serve on an actual jury.  

As I sit here waiting for my turn, I realize that the Jurors Waiting Room is full of 4th graders disguised as adults!  The gentleman doing orientation did an outstanding job of telling everyone what to do and what NOT to do, and he even infused a bit of humor.  Of course, he made it very clear that if anyone approached him in his office at the wrong time, he would kindly tell them to go away!  He specifically told us NOT to use cell phones in this room, but we could talk in the hallways.  

Now, I am listening to a lady and a man both talking loudly on their cell phones.  There's another man snoring non-stop on a bench.  A few people are standing at the man's office door as if he will eventually let them in, and I'm wondering if anyone listens and follows directions anymore!  It's very sad that I have to be away from my students who really want to learn, and I'm forced to sit here and spend the entire day with 4th graders disguised as adults.

I really pray that I am not selected to serve on a jury because I plan to tell them that unless the person being charged is in 4th grade, then they are automatically GUILTY in my mind!!  Folks need to learn to listen and follow directions!


Finally, why were we given an hour and 40 minutes for lunch?  I am not in a familiar area so I definitely would not venture too far and risk missing my return time.  I wouldn't dare eat in the courthouse cafeteria, and risk having my stomach turn inside out in the middle of jury selection.  Thus, the 100 minutes were given so that I would have time to reflect on what my role is in this experience.  As I approach the 7th hour waiting and listening to low rumbling voices in other languages, loud chatter from the man on his cell asking why his car was towed, and the lady breathing heavily through her mouth but happens to be WIDE AWAKE, I realize that my role is to be thankful that I am not the one who needs any of these people (including myself) on a jury to decide my fate!

Do You See What I See?

This was our first week back to school.  I was eager and excited, as always, to see and meet my new students.  I sensed the anticipation of a new and rewarding school year in the air as my students walked into their new classroom.  They were smiling, nervous, and showing signs of relief, as they learned that I would add unexpected humor and fun to diminish their stress throughout the day.

As the first and second days of school concluded, I had that conversation in my head that I have every single year:  "Do you see what I see?"  As a parent of a son and a daughter, I have kept my eyes open to signs of struggle, signs of success, and any signs that may have indicated that either of them needed more than just a nudge to get through school.  They have both completed high school and are continuing their educations in college.  Struggling from time to time, but nonetheless, they have pushed through obstacles and asked for support when needed.  As a teacher for 25 years in elementary education, I keep my eyes open the same way for my students, but I have to ask every year, "Do you see what I see?"

Parents are special, as are their children.  Many times, I have had parents who tell me that their child is not the same at school as they are at home, and they are shocked when I tell them their child is wonderful!!!  Then, quite often, I have had the parent who says, "I don't know what you're talking about, my child doesn't do anything like this at home."  This response follows my question, "What can I do to help your child to perform and succeed, because at this point he/she is showing signs of serious struggle and conflict in my classroom?"  "Do you see what I see?"  Of course not!  According to the parent, this child goes home, does chores, does homework and then loses it before returning to school, speaks respectfully to parents, and shows responsibility and love in the household.  They are just not doing as they're told at school, and they don't know why or what to do about it.  Thus, they tell the child to stop being lazy and to apologize to me for not doing the right thing!

What am I to do when the parent does not see what I see and does not think there could be anything wrong? What am I to do when a child says he doesn't care if he never gets any rewards because they don't matter?  What am I to do when a child says she doesn't do her work because it's not fair that she has to do it??
What am I to do when a child has full academic potential and ability, but the rage that distracts him from my positive intentions overpowers him and speaks louder than any of my lessons?

My husband says I will figure it out, I always do.  My sister says that there should be someone at the school who can help kids who struggle like this.  My mother says she feels sorry for me and hopes it gets better.  My coworkers all say to focus on the positive, keep reaching out to the parents, and know that one day that child will remember what I tried to do.

I say, "Do you see what I see?"


I believe that some children have become immune to the realities of our school system because they're immersed in a virtual world that allows them to change their virtual reality with the simple click of a thumb on a plastic controller.  I believe that if I'm not careful, I might say or do something that triggers the mental device to delete me from their consciousness.  I guess I need to put myself on a video game and teach through technology.  I need to show them how to conjugate verbs, solve for the variable in algebra, identify the causes/effects of war, and value the empowerment that human suffering had on the building of our country!  Should I do this through degrading music, violence, and superhuman powers that defy all mankind? 


DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?