Trinity Tablets: Nervousness, Enthusiasm, Confidence
It’s been three days, and the sixth graders are in full swing at Trinity School. They are choosing school themes in values class, reflecting on their Scimatician summers, organizing their new lockers, making folders (both electronic ones and “regular” ones!), preparing binders, learning the importance of leading by example, and of course, exploring their new tablets!
The sixth grade teachers have been conducting a three-day Tablet Workshop where students rotated through different lessons in small groups, instructed by a variety of teachers. As I think about the past three days (as crazy and hectic as they were), I am certain that it was time well spent.
When asked to reflect, one student noted that on Tuesday, the word “nervous” came to mind. Nervousness about technology and tablets is normal and this student explained that much of the anxiety came from the fact that “I knew I didn’t know as much as the others did.” The same student provided a different word to describe Wednesday, the second day of using tablets. The word “enthusiastic” described the day because the student “was excited…and knew so much more about the tablet.” By “trying new things and going to new places,” the comfort level with the once foreign and intimidating piece of technology was growing. Finally, on the final day of the Tablet Workshop, the student chose to use the word “confidence.” Because of the thoughtful approach to the training, the student felt “proud and comfortable” and noted the desire to explore even more outside of school.
To grow from anxious to excited to proud in three days…wow.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Growth. We could learn a lot from our Sixth Graders. Forge ahead when we are anxious. Gain enthusiasm because of our efforts and willingness to risk. Develop confidence to fuel future new steps.
M. Berry
September 26th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I remember when I first got my tablet. I felt the same anxiety that I’m sure these new sixth graders feel. But as one of the students demonstrated, we get less nervous and more excited overtime. It’s how we learn. Before we get into a pool, we dip our toes in the water to test the temperature. It is always cold, so we gradually ease into the water, at our own pace. Over time, our body temperature adapts, and we feel more comfortable with our surroundings. It’s the same with learning. The same with going into a new grade. The same with becoming the leaders of a school. The same with going to a new school.
*Mariam*