Barry's+Mentors

Ami Stephanie Martha

Check this page for group notes and info!

Hi Barry, Ami, and Martha. I'll check in regularly.

Hi All -- just checking in as well. And just one comment: I think this page should be called "Barry's Mentees" not "Barry's Mentors." :) ~Martha

But you guys are mentors as well! Right! I guess I wasn't thinking in those terms when I made the suggestion...

How is everyone doing on outlining goals? (Barry)

Remember to think realistically about what can be accomplished in the time frame that you have in the academic year ahead!

Hello All -- Here's what's happening with me. I've talked with 3 of the ESL teachers in my program, and they have all agreed to be mentees this year. They'll be working with software that allows teachers to present our textbook pages in digital format. We're using the __Future__ series in our ESL classes, and the software is called "Active Teach." I've been using it since classes started. It allows you to present the pages and add text, links, images, etc. I've installed the software on school laptops for the teachers to use in class and also on one teacher's own laptop so she can practice at home. Our plan has 3 steps: (1) learn to use the software just on the computer (not with students) (2) practice using the software with me (as a student) in their classroom (3) use the software with students

We agreed that the goal would be getting to step 3 and using the software for 3 different class sessions by May.

However, I've already run into a problem. One of the teachers told me that the program runs too slowly on the laptop he would use for teaching (which doesn't surprise me, since our ESL laptops are 8 years old). So I need to talk to my administrator about upgrading our hardware. I hope this won't take too long to resolve. ~Martha

11-3-12 I talked to my administrator last week about getting 2 new laptops for ESL teachers. If this can't happen relatively soon (by January), then my Plan B is to share my "ESL/Distance Learning Coordinator" laptop (which is only 1 1/2 years old) with my mentees. This sounds like an excellent project and good steps towards reaching the ultimate goal of using the software with students. I think that the "measurable" part of step 3 can be clarified by simply defining what you mean by "use the software with students" as in "After training, each teacher will use the Active Teach Software at least twice a week to present a lesson. At least one of those lessons will include one special feature such as adding text, adding an image, etc" Of course, once trained and familiar with the utility, they may find themselves using the software many more times a week than your stated goal, but by explicitly describing the amount of usage in your goal, you then have something that's measurable. Since you have more experience with the software, you may want to define the specific tasks that you'd like them to demonstrate knowledge of having by yourself, but of course, you can always bring the mentees into the discussion. Have you heard back about getting the better equipment? Remember that perhaps a laptop in the classroom isn't the only solution. A dedicated newer desktop (which may be cheaper and perhaps already available) could also work. Your Plan B would also be a good work around, even though not very convenient for any of you.

Good work!

Another is just using it to project the content without using any tools. We're planning on meeting soon (possibly next week) so I can show him how to use some of the tools.
==== And the third is having a problem with furniture configuration so hasn't started using it with students yet. He and the other teacher with whom he shares the room can't agree on how to arrange the furniture (the room is small and crowded). I know, it sounds surprising, but it's true that using interactive software requires having easy access to both the computer the teacher is using and the surface onto which the image is projected. I'm sure they'll work it out eventually... ====

==== As far a the possibility of getting better equipment -- I don't think that's going to happen any time soon. However, I'm sharing my coordinator's laptop with one teacher, and it's working out fine. I will probably have to share it with one of the two other teachers as well, but the third teacher told me that his computer, while not great, seems adequate for this purpose. ====