This week I received an e-mail from a colleague asking for help with a technology in her classroom. Being in a small district without funding for any full time instruction technologists to assist teachers requests like this happen frequently. I am seen as a person who either knows how to use a tool or get find out quickly. I am always glad to help a fellow teacher use new tools in their classroom. During my next free prep, I headed down to my colleague’s classroom. She had received some Mobi Views last spring and wanted to know how to use them with he students.
I had seen the Mobi’s demonstrated a few years back. We together we turned the units on. It took a few attempts to figure out what we were doing. At first it was awkward, figuring out the new tool. I model how to fail using the tool at the first few attempts. Eventually, I had it figured out so I could explain how to use to the other teacher. She fumbled around for a minute like I did and then was able to complete some simple tasks. As the prep period ended she was feeling confident in the using the Mobi for simple tasks. She sent an e-mail thanking me for the help, also asking how I might integrate the tool into lessons for her special needs students.
I had a few ideas, but by no means am an expert. I took a quick search of YouTube, found a few quality examples of teachers using Mobi’s in their classroom to send back to her. The next day she responded:
“Why didn’t I think of checking YouTube? I guess I just needed a push. Thank you!”
Sometimes all we need is a push in the right direction to get moving. It might lead to greatness.
Sweat to Inspire 