Yesterday I had a big presentation in my senior seminar in which I had to lead the discussion on a book we had just finished. I was excited and nervous because this is a very important class for me. I had prepared a really solid outline, with intriguing and thoughtful questions. I even incorporated some really interesting clips of video I found on coordinated nicely with my plan.
The conversation was going well, the other students were engaged, everyone (for the most part) had completed the reading. I was really satisfied so far. Half way through the class I decided to introduce the video clips. I set them up an explained the questions I wanted to be considered. There it is the moment of truth...*Click*....nothing. The links that I had created in a word document, even though I had tested them on my computer, didn't work. Quickly, I tried to find them elsewhere while the class waited but to no avail. I was so frustrated! I completely understand how difficult it is to begin integrating things like this into lessons. It wasn't even anything very complicated and it was still risky to completely trust that it would work. Of course, human error is involved. I am sure there is something I did wrong along the way, but it was still a very frustrating experience. It's so hard to not feel that technology is sometimes more trouble than it is worth.
First off, don't assume off the bat that you did somthing wrong, that kind of stuff just happens sometimes even when you do everything right. The next time you try it, you will do everything the same and it will work. Computers and technology have a mind of their own at times and their just like children if they dont want to do something they wont do it.
ReplyDeleteSecondly in regards to technology being more trouble than its worth. While I agree that there are times it is really annoying, we could barely function without them. Don't belive me? try going a full day without using a single technological (sp) thing. Its kind of a weird way to look at it, but it helps bring it into perspective after a bad techno day.
Dont give up!