My school is in the dark ages

peanuthead

Hi there

This is something that has really been getting me down of late, and today it all came to a head really.

So today I had a particularly difficult class in the afternoon. We were doing film work. There is only one tv in the school (a school of 350 students) so I said I'd get it early and put it down in the room the class beforehand.

Had used the DVD/TV last monday so wasn't worried about it not working. However, despite that the batteries had gone in remote, and dvd player is so basic that it had no buttons on it.

Couldn't watch the DVD so we started writing instead. But the 5 mins of trying to get it going had left me frustrated and them wound up and we ended up having a really ****ty class, they got rowdy, then cheeky, I gave out punishments and called parents (I have never had to do the latter and only ever have to do the former at the beginning of the year)

The thing is, I don't blame them for getting rowdy. They had just come from PE and were more or less being left to their own devices while teacher grappled with the crappy technology.

I did ask them to do a 'filler' exercise while I was doing this: Gave them the film's title and asked them to make predictions - but only the good ones were doing this.

The whole situation has turned me off using the DVD/TV now. I feel that this is the root problem of the behavioural issues in our school to be honest.

I actually visited their primary school on Friday to see what it was like. They have data projectors in all rooms, computers, and internal network, 40-odd inch screen tvs (about 4/5). All the classes have whiteboards. Honest to God - these kids must feel that they've travelled back in time!! They would have never even seen a blackboard until they came here!!

I need to take action. I need to get something started. We have 1 TV/DVD in crappy condition, no OHPs, 1 data projector that is locked away and has never been seen, two radios and 2 interactive whiteboards that have NEVER been used and none of us even know how to do it.

I want to fund raise, etc... but the problem is I'm a nobody in the school really. This is my 4th year here, 3 previous years doing subbing, this year doing Dip. Probably won't be there next year.

How does someone like me get the ball rolling on something like this?

I was even thinking that I could source free TV/DVDs I'm sure, they would just have to buy trolleys. At least this would be a start.

Anyone willing to advise or better yet any schools upgrading to data projectors and are getting rid of OHPs - I'd actually travel the length and breadth of Ireland to get them!!

thanks for reading!!

Chilli Con Kearney

I want to fund raise, etc... but the problem is I'm a nobody in the school really. This is my 4th year here, 3 previous years doing subbing, this year doing Dip. Probably won't be there next year.

Hi Peanut. I hear your frustration on this. How can you do your job properly without the correct tools and resources? Fortunately we have ample amounts of tvs, dvd players, projectors, etc.

It seems from your post that the management are not too pushed on progressing and developing this area of the school. In fact, they do not even allow you access to the facilities!

If you are not going to be there next year, then I would keep your frustrations and resulting drive to "Do something" in perspective. I do not mean to sound selfish here, but realistic.

That said, the Jack & Jill Foundation are offering interactive whiteboards for 300+ old mobile phones. Could be a starting point.....

TheColl

peanuthead wrote: »

I need to take action. I need to get something started. We have 1 TV/DVD in crappy condition, no OHPs, 1 data projector that is locked away and has never been seen, two radios and 2 interactive whiteboards that have NEVER been used and none of us even know how to do it.

Have you asked your principal if you can have access to the projector and whiteboard? Are they actually denying you access to these, or is just a case of nobody ever having used them so they've just been left to gather dust?

looksee

I'd put money on the Principal not being tecky and being afraid of trying to sort the equipment. Try and come up with a nice flattering line about - 'I know you are too busy, but if I could maybe set up the data projector in ... where-ever ... we could all use it. If you'd like me to I'll write out some simple instructions for the people who are not familiar with it'. If that works then maybe look for more.

I assume the Principal is female If you are female and the Principal is male, then just accept, the place is in the dark ages (the non-tecky bit still applies ). Though how you are supposed to do film studies with no equipment is a mystery.

To be quite cynical about it, if you are only going to be there one year and there is no chance you could stay on, don't use up your pot of goodwill begging equipment that the Principal may well decide there is 'no room for'. Anyway second hand equipment could be an insurance issue.

peanuthead

Hi all

1. I probably won't be there next year but the thing about it is I might be. Plus, the school is in my area so I would like to see the kids from that area getting something good out of school. It may also make me stand out if a job comes up that I have done something for the school.

2. I'm female, principal is male. New V.P is female though and techy so she will be my first point of attack.

3. I know about the Jack and Jill thing, set up posters for this a while back but nothing ever came of it. However, I might push it again.

4. The interactive whiteboards were installed into 2 rooms in the school. One room is a special needs room where a particular class is based all day. They don't use it and by virtue of the fact that they spend the day in that room it can't be used by anyone. Very poor idea that was. The second one is in a special room, slots in this room are allocated to teachers based on their timetable and is given to language teachers only.

5. The data projector was given to the geog. dept. It can be used, but they are never around to ask as I am only there 2 days per week at moment.

The thing is, I don't know how to use this equipment. I'm not up on technology myself, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep the kids interested. I'll learn it but I need to be let at it first!!

Thanks for your point about second hand electronics - I hadn't thought of that.

looksee

I think you were unlucky today, there is nothing more difficult than trying to sort a piece of equipment when a lively class are waiting for something to happen, and it can take longer to figure out that its batteries that are gone in a remote than figuring that the entire thing is banjaxed.

Could you spread the load a bit? I don't know what age group you are dealing with, but could you find a couple at a time to help get the thing set up, check the remote, generally get it sorted for you while you keep control of the room. You could sit to one side and let the favoured pair operate the dvd player, its part of film studies after all

As to the rest of it, well work on the VP by all means, but if you are only in 2 days a week you could easily find that things you thought you had organised on Tuesday have become un-organised by Monday. Chip away at getting the minimum you need - a decent working television and DVD, the rest might well come courtesy the VP once she has sussed the situation.

peanuthead

looksee wrote: »

I think you were unlucky today, there is nothing more difficult than trying to sort a piece of equipment when a lively class are waiting for something to happen, and it can take longer to figure out that its batteries that are gone in a remote than figuring that the entire thing is banjaxed.

Could you spread the load a bit? I don't know what age group you are dealing with, but could you find a couple at a time to help get the thing set up, check the remote, generally get it sorted for you while you keep control of the room. You could sit to one side and let the favoured pair operate the dvd player, its part of film studies after all

As to the rest of it, well work on the VP by all means, but if you are only in 2 days a week you could easily find that things you thought you had organised on Tuesday have become un-organised by Monday. Chip away at getting the minimum you need - a decent working television and DVD, the rest might well come courtesy the VP once she has sussed the situation.

Thanks for the advice.

Yeah I do try to delegate but I didn't this time as the clip was on a dvd which hosted a selection of clips - some of which I would be uncomfortable showing!!

But yeah, I think I'll just concentrate on getting the bits I need for now. Will bring it to the attention of the VP though - hopefully she will inject a bit of youth into the place! thanks!!

implausible

peanuthead wrote: »

The data projector was given to the geog. dept. It can be used, but they are never around to ask as I am only there 2 days per week at moment

Can you not make a point of seeking out someone in the Geography Dept and asking him/her or leaving a note? If needs be, do a room swap for the class you need it. You should, however, ask that person to show you how to use it (maybe volunteer to cover a class in thanks). I wouldn't be too keen myself on handing over equipment to someone who said they couldn't use it.

If you're still having problems, go to your VP and explain that you need it for your next inspection or an education technology assignment. No-one wants an inspector criticising them!

gaeilgegrinds1

This rings so many bells with me. Until we hear sniff of an inspection nothing, then we got everything. Can be so hard swimming against a strong tide though.