Jack of all trades, master of none…

Module 6: Developing my own ICT Skills and Pedagogy

“It [was] a gap that Microsoft Canada [was] hoping to shrink with its KidReach program, which aims to put computers in the hands of kids who might otherwise not have a chance to use them.” This donation came with some skepticism, and “the giant software manufacturer [came] under criticism in the U.S. for similar charitable donations, made through the William H. Gates Foundation. Critics have said that by helping libraries with onetime donations of hardware and software, Gates is simply helping to ensure future sales.” (Shaw, 1999).

You might think this was recent news, but this excerpt is from a Vancouver Sun article written eighteen years ago. This digital divide remains apparent and although I completed the “Math, Science, and Technology” specialization during my BEd, and I feel comfortable around tech, I find that much of the ICT pedagogy I learned simply does not translate to the public school system. There is still such a vast difference in the “haves” and the “have nots” within my district, and a lot of it comes down to PAC fund-raising capabilities and corporate donations.

(Reader's Digest, 2017)

Currently, I am at a school where the library opens twice a week, the SmartBoard malfunctions (it’s just a projection screen), there are eighteen ipads for the entire school, and the library has five very s l o w desktop computers that mostly remain off (they freeze loading the visual content on modern websites). If you observed me during a day of work, you might think it was 1999 and not 2017.

For this reason, my use of ICT skills varies greatly depending on the school. I don’t really know what I need to know. Maintaining connections with colleagues becomes paramount, because although I may not be able to do much now, I may find myself in a different situation in a far more tech infused environment.

I am connected to colleagues using Facebook and e-mail. I am also a part of the B.C. Early Career Teachers Association which posts helpful resources and ways to connect with others. Additionally, I check the UBC Education Pro-D, my district’s Pro-D, and the BCTF Pro-D to further develop my knowledge. Over the years as a TOC any time teachers said, “feel free to e-mail me if you ever have any questions or need help” I have made note of these offers! Already it has come in handy a few times when I find myself e-mailing asking:

What was that great lesson you did using ipads?

Where did you find resources on MakerSpaces again?

How was it you used that technology effectively?

What was the ICT workshop you raved about?

After this class is over, I plan on keeping my Twitter account because I like how it acts as storage of helpful ideas and resources. I may also hold onto a few e-mail addresses of classmates who seem like-minded or extra helpful. I plan to scan a lot of the blogs to seek these individuals out!

References

BCECTA. (2017). The B.C. Early Career Teachers Association. Retrieved from https://bcecta.wordpress.com/

BCTF. (2017). British Columbia Teachers' Federation - Professional Development and Support. Retrieved from https://www.bctf.ca/ProfessionalDevelopment.aspx

Reader's Digest. (2017). My computer is slow, how can I speed it up? [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/technology/how/my-computer-slow-how-can-i-speed-it

Shaw, G. (1999, April 29). Computer donations close gap: A Microsoft Canada program puts technology in the hands of youngsters who don't have access. Series: Technology @ School: [Final Edition]. The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.ubc.
ca/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/242783418?accountid=14656

University of British Columbia. (2017). Professional Development for Educators. Retrieved from http://pdce.educ.ubc.ca/workshops-institutes/

Vancouver School Board. (2017). Current Opportunities - Professional Development. Retrieved from http://www2.vsb.bc.ca/vsbprograms/Prod/Current+Professional+ Development+Opportunities/default.htm

You mean to tell me you don't know everything? [Meme]. (2015, July 23). Retrieved October 04, 2017, http://blog.glcomp.com/2015/07/avoiding-jack-of-all-trades-master-of.html