Connection Disconnected…

Can we function without the use of our technology? Or are we now bonded for life?

As you embark on your new position in the world of education there will be a lot of different ideas that span across years and years of teaching. One of my most enjoyed debates is in regards to the use of tech in the classroom. 

I am huge supporter of paving your own way in this educational world. I believe that our best teaching strategies, ideas, and inspirations stem from an understanding of current trends, what you know, and how children learn. You can be very open minded but do not let someone else’s ideology taint yours. 

We live in a very technological era. We have to face that fact. Even when I was growing up I spent time watching educational television and now I am watching webcasts on education and blogging about it. I cannot even imagine what is to come next. Children are getting iPhones and tablets for their 6th birthdays now. To not be connected to the world is viewed as worse than death nowadays. 

So do we choose to disconnect the classroom or link up and use it to our advantage?

One side of this shows that an increase in the use of technology can cause a decrease in the social skills we are trying so hard to promote. A classroom governed by plugs, wires, and the all-knowing internet. A classroom of children barely able to spell but able to navigate webpages and the internet. The internet and webpages carry so much information. There are videos and games that can be added to any lesson at the press of a button. When doing a unit on pollution, countries, or space, an educator can find lesson plans, ideas, games, stories, games, and child created videos and explanations. This is a time where teaching is easier. Why stay up and recreate the wheel when someone has already posted all the steps. It is as if we have reached the Golden Age of Education. It could be argued that it can promote a ‘lazy teacher’ methodology. One in which the computer is now the teacher and we document the learning… or don’t document at all. When the computer becomes the teacher do we not become obsolete? I am guilty of letting my phone take over my time. It is one of the first things I find in the morning and very last thing in my hands at night.

I fear the day that technology will surpass our need for human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.
-Albert Einstein

The other side of this debate brings out valid points in regards to how many of the adults today were brought up and that many of us received quality care and support. I believe my generation grew up well. My home did not have a computer until I was about 12 years old. I remember biking to the library, exploring the woods behind my house, sleepovers, girl guides and never once did I need to take a selfie or post these experiences for the world to see. Do children really need all this technology in their school day? Do we need to bring in iPads and Chromebooks for toddlers in daycare programs? For years, decades, and centuries children have been reared, taught, disciplined, and had experiences based in the real world. Their experiences have helped to shape the world as we know it today. Yet, we are shifting to a world where our self-worth is measured in friends or followers and our experiences are for Instagram and the world.

Both sides of this debate could argue for days and nights. However, in more classrooms and daycares we are getting tech tubs and bins of technology to incorporate into our classrooms. Whether or not we dislike the hold technology has on us it is a reality. What can be done is to always keep in mind the idea of moderation. As good as our teaching is we can embrace new things and methods. As wonderful as technology is we can’t let it take over and replace those awe inspiring teachable moments.

Do you believe technology has a hold on your classroom?
Do you welcome the idea of new websites and personal devices?
Do you have concerns about socialization?

If you are on either side of this issue and wish to leave a comment please do! An open dialogue is always appreciated here. You can always send an email to theeverydayece@gmail.com

AN EVERYDAY EDUCATOR

to fear or embrace the technology we have created.

Are you Secure?

Looking at the situation in the DDSB (Durham District School Board) I am beginning to worry about job security. For those unfamiliar with the problems in Durham it is apparent that many ECEs will be losing their jobs come September. Whether or not their jobs have hit a redundancy (the class sizes are under 16 children, thus no ECE is required) or they have gotten rid of a few classes the fact remains the same that many people are currently in their last year with that board. This is a scary thought. I go to work each day and try my best at what I do best.

If you feel that this is one of those situations in which you will not be effected by their lost jobs, think again. This gives momentum to the idea that one classroom can be stocked to the brim (30 students and sometimes  more) while another has 16 or less children and is not in need of an RECE. Thus, two paychecks have been eliminated and the government has saved some more money. We have deluded ourselves to the mentality that the children are the future… It seems to most others (especially the Government of Ontario) that it is truly money that make our world go ’round.

There is a petition in the works on Change.org. The link is long but brings you right to the page.
https://www.change.org/p/minister-of-education-liz-sandals-assistant-deputy-minister-early-learning-division-jim-grieves-ensure-every-child-has-full-time-access-to-an-early-childhood-educator-in-ontario-schools?recruiter=22987354&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-reason_msg

I have signed this petition and I hope many of you do the same. I would rather say that I did something than sit back and do nothing. If it can happen in Durham can it not happen elsewhere?  We are now caught in a game of numbers. Playing around with the class sizes means we can play around with how many ECEs have jobs or not. Take a moment to think as well. Your seniority plays no role in whether or not you keep your job or not. The Durham employees lost their positions in a lot pull. Essentially a group of names is pulled (regardless or seniority or experience) and those are the few unlucky individuals.

What would you do if this happened in your board? Leave a comment below or email: theeverydayece@gmail.com

When you sign the petition you are able to leave a message. This was mine:
I am a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator. I work in a classroom in a wonderful collaboration with my teacher and fellow RECE partner. I have been in trenches of our FDK program. I have both defended the rights of my fellow RECEs and been defended as well. We should not have to bend over backwards to prove our worth. The proof is in the classrooms where we are present and the ones that we are not. We are vital, we are necessary and you cannot tiptoe back on your educational obligations now. Realize we are here to stay. If you try to take us down then prepare for a fight.

AN EVERYDAY EDUCATOR

The Price of Production

Considering that tax time is drawing to a close and many individuals are in super saving mode it seems like the most apt time to bring up everyone’s least favorite subject! Money. We all need to realize that our finances aren’t some mythical beast we need to keep under wraps.

Money makes our world go ’round. I realize that many of us do not make enough to make even a drop in the ocean. This is the reality of it. There is no use hiding it. EAs and ECEs alike do not get paid enough for the level of work we are expected to produce. I will begin with EAs. Despite our differences in job description we are both lumped together; the bottom of the totem pole. For many EAs that I know and many that have sent emails to this blog, it is clear that there are issues. Too many children for one EA to handle, too many needs in one school (resulting in flitting around), not enough support during crisis. There are layers of issues that affect an EAs ability to do their job to the best of their abilities. In a perfect world the needs in a classroom would be assessed and then modifications would be made. The EA dealing with the issues would not be shuttled around throughout the day to different classrooms. How can a positive change occur in the children we serve if we aren’t able to be there to help? The safety of our classrooms and the future learning of so many is something I doubt we can put a price on.

Similar things can be said about ECEs. There are many responsibilities we take on and yet it is brushed aside. There is a lot of issue with planning/prep as well as contact time. I know in my classroom my ECE partner and I have more contact time with our class. The imbalance of duties, preps, non-contact time, and even time away for learning is immense. I realize the issues myself when I think about the amount of time, effort, and work I put into my own room. I don’t do much at home but I work like mad when I am at school. It would in fact be much simpler to not do half of what I do now. If I stuck with doing the amount of work I could feasibly get done while at work… Well there would be a lot less teaching and a lot more babysitting.

We are essential to our places of work. We make a difference each and everyday. It has been said that with ECEs we increase the value of the children we educate.  Through our tutelage, expertise, and  modifications, as both ECEs and EAs, we  augment the educational system in such a way that success is in the grasp of all of our students. Is this something we can really put a price on?

 

AN EVERYDAY EDUCATOR

Money Talks

I received a great email from an RECE named Shanna who is working in the public school board in Ontario. She was wondering about the amount of money that other ECEs are spending to keep their programs running and their activities interesting.

I struggle with the amounts of money I spent on my classroom and my aftercare program. I would go out with the intention of getting groceries and end up buying something for class. My art and sensory bins would be intricate and educational. They were great learning experiences. However, my wallet started to feel the hurt. Providing great programming was becoming more and more of a balancing act. I was on a tightrope leaning to far to the left and then too far to the right. Finding my balance has taken me a while. Realizing that great activities and learning experiences did not come from the things that I purchased.

That being said there are times when we require supplies and they are not always readily available.  It can be frustrating to have an idea of what you want to do locked and loaded, only to realize that you would be paying out the wazoo to do it. I have built a stock pile of books, games, and reusable activities some items were free and others I did buy. These are the things I consider investments. Things with a long payoff and minimal investment. These are mostly the things I bring out for my aftercare program. Even though I have this stock of great items, there are times when we need to use resources! What do we do then? Do we splurge and buy or do we find an alternative means. What would you spend on an activity /game? Also, what is your cap for class?

AN EVERYDAY EDUCATOR

Wonderwall

‘Wonderwall’ is not just my favorite song it also a very apt description of what this job it to me now.

Mmm I am not finding myself thinking about a person…. I am usually thinking about activities!

I am usually thinking about what I will be doing next and how to emerge upon the observations I made the day before. My job has become a secret affair. I find myself on Pinterest more than I should be. I sneak off to the dollar store to get supplies. I am usually in a separate room from my friends, acquaintances, and family so I can talk to my teammates or fellow ECE friends.

Now I leave it to you friends. Send me an email or tweet about what is on your mind, something you want to share, or something you think I should be touching on!

Email Me: theeverydayece@gmail.com

The Everyday Educator