Comments on: “I’m not good at math.” “I’m not very good at computers.”

By: L. Zuniga

L. Zuniga — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:41:11 +0000

Coming from a corporate background (but now working in education), I am endlessly fascinated by how different the educational world works from the “real” world.

There is no other industry or sector (I can think of) where employees (which is what teachers are) can dictate what they will or will not use in their jobs. This doesnt just happen with technology, I have seen teachers refuse to use math programs because their method is better.

As an IT professional, yes, I concede that technology comes with it’s challenges…and yes, it does not work 100% of the time. But, to borrow a teaching concept I like, when it doesnt work, wouldnt it be great if you the teacher learned how to fix it or have a workaround for the next time? Instead of reacting with “disgust”, see it as a teachable moment for you.

By: Tina

Tina — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:48:50 +0000

Educators by profession should be dedicated life long learners. Can you be a life long learner and not be able to run a simple computer function, yes, but why would you not want to try? Teaching students is easier when you build relationships. Students live for technology. Teachers and administrators do not have to be experts at technology but some knowledge is important. When students see we value technology they want to do more with the curriculum that we are invested in. Let the students teach us the computer technology that is difficult (for some) and what a wonderful environment of life long learning will be created!!!

By: maureenmn

maureenmn — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:28:02 +0000

I think it’s absurd when I hear these types of comments. Educators almost say their not good at computers with a quiet “pride” in their voice! I didn’t even touch a computer until I was well out of college – now I teach little kids (6 and 7 years old) how to do things I learned when I was in my early 30s. I love it! I get hugely frustrated with teachers who really don’t want to learn – but get upset with students who do the same thing. Lead by example! Students observe more than what they hear.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

And who would want to know more about a machine whose spell check turns “modern world” into “modern wirks” anyway?

By: corysheldahl@gmail.com

corysheldahl@gmail.com — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

I’m catching the end of this, but ditto about 18 times. and to top it off, I feel sometimes like the district expects the speed of a steamliner (not the Titanic, but could be ) but giving me the boat a size of a dingy and trying to row as quick as one.

On the positive side, I remember someone once saying, that success is not just being given a good (poker) hand, but taking a poor deal and playing it well.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

The irony in the comments amazes me…

On one hand, it’s been stated that anyone not good with music, art, languages, or math be compelled to study each more. In a sense, encouraging generalism regardless of interest or natural aptitude.

On the other, you are all specialists–techers of math, science, engineering, etc. Could you step into a classroom and teach Chinese? And if you didn’t teach it, but were required to learn it to have a parent teacher conference with one parent, or to complete an evaluation, would you not resent it just a little? In the modern wirks, being Mandarin bilingual is probably just as valuable to some students as a computer. I certainly wish I was offered the opportunity and would have gladly skipped Chemistry.

And why not Chemistry? Every day of our lives we use MILLIONS of chemicals. Far more than we use a computer. Does a chemistry teacher lambast an English teacher who doesn’t know that their glasses are made from polypropelene?

As humans, we are partially wired for specialism, and society rewards it as well (if it didn’t there would be no certification required for teaching). If someone chooses to not be a techy, they can still often be just as productive ad their specialty without it.

And when they wear that choice as a badge of honor, remember that it is partially a little rebellion against learning what they equate to Chinese, and partially deference to you for skills they recognize and respect. “Wow, you know Chinese? I can’t remember a thing from the French class I was forced to take high school. Hey, this guy at work knows Mandarin. Can you teach me to say a dirty word in Chinese? He’d get a kick out of that…”

By: Barry

Barry — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Would any educator at any level ever say “I’m not very good at reading”? Doubt it.

(Or why when a group of teachers go out to lunch, the math teacher is handed the check to calculate the tip?)

By: Carl Anderson

Carl Anderson — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Is saying “I’m not very good at computers” the modern counterpart to “I’m not good at math”

I would argue it is more akin to saying, “I am not good at reading and writing.” Computer skills are more about literacy than arithmetic. Then again, these are all arbitrary classifications and the argument could be made that math skills are another type or aspect of literacy.

By: Jim Gates

Jim Gates — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

In reference to Doug’s comment, “But for the most part everyone in our schools uses his or her computer everyday to accomplish at least administrative tasks and communicate.” I think it’s very important to make the distinction between being able to accomplish administrative tasks (attendance and grade reporting?) and communicate (email?) and being literate in effective searching, media literacy, and SO very much more. That’s a huge distinction. Saying administrative tasks and communication means you’re “good at computers” is like saying that because we can color and stay between the lines that we’re good at art.

By: John Armstrong

John Armstrong — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Is saying “I’m not very good at computers” the modern counterpart to “I’m not good at math”

No, because that would seem to imply that people aren’t saying the latter, which they are more than ever.