ASP Tech Club Visit #2

Tuesday September25th, 2012

  As this was our first time actually leading Tech Club it most certainly had it moments. We had planned an introduction class; each of us created either a PowerPoint or a Prezi presentation about ourselves. They were short, and sweet. Next we would create some club rules with the kids so that we were all on the same page with expectations, and lastly our activity for the day. The kids would create their own PowerPoint or Prezi about themselves and then present it in front of their peers that way we could learn their names and a little about them. All around great plan, however; even with all our preparations we hit a few snags here and there.
  Both Sierra and I got their quite early so we went to the library to set up and meet the librarian whom we did not meet last week. The librarian was quite helpful in showing us how their projection system worked, showing us where giant pieces of paper were, and also she let us know what she expected of us in the library. Everything going pretty good still until I went to pull up my PowerPoint; I have learned that HP and Mac programs have a lack of compatibility. The Mac slide show program had fun editing and rearranging my Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, so I had to quickly fix what I could though I had no idea what I was doing. Macs are like Russian language to me; I don't understand them at all. The same went for Shannon's PowerPoint. We both got them fixed up enough to present to the kids. The next snafu was the overwhelming amount of energy these kids had and that they literally needed a chill pill. Yes, I understand the concept of new people and so we must give them grief but little kids really know how to push my buttons when it comes to being disrespectful and inattentive. So we spent quite a few minutes trying to get the kids to calm down so we could start but it took some time then as we were presenting they thought it necessary to interrupt after every word so more time passed then desired. When we moved onto rules well lets just say not all rules were relevant to tech club or even after school activity in general. Finally we got to the learning activity and that actually went alright; all the kids wanted to make a Prezi, and I can understand that because it is pretty cool. Once we got them on the computers and into making their own Prezi things quieted down and we just circled around helping the students where they needed it. However, we didn't get to presentations because too much time was spent on the first two activities.
  Next Tuesday I shall expect the worst and come with contingency plans just in case of any tech problems. Ms. Katelin has also given us Cat Cash to reward the good students therefore re enforcing good behavior, which will be an incentive to other students to behave. Cat Cash at Whittier is like freshman and sophomore incentive, ChampChange, we have here at MSU. The difference being that the students at Whittier gain Cat Cash for good behavior, and MSU students gain point for being involved but both still use their points for prizes. For next time come with contingency plans, a firm resolve against the overwhelming energy of students, and reward students with good behavior.

ASP Tech Club Visit #1

 Tuesday September 18th, 2012

 My ASP tech club placement is at Whittier Elementary, a quaint little school located off of N. 7th ave in Bozeman. It is located behind the Rainbow 6 Motel and you would never no an elementary school was there. I was surprised by the fact that I have lived here for over a decade and honestly this is the first I have ever heard of Whittier Elementary which goes to show you that even a small town like Bozeman has its surprises. When you walk in your greeted by little kids all about and low ceiling so a person of my small stature feels like a giant. The school itself is not a grand structure but large enough to house a couple hundred kids. The overall feel of Whittier is pleasant and will be a good fit for my ASP.

  What I will find interesting will be my growth in working with younger aged children and how I can adapt myself to each individual situation and child. Coinciding with the interest is: I am so very scared of small children so on upon observing them in a large numbers in the gym after school was nerve-racking. It was utter chaos and kudos to the teachers and aides there because they handled the situation with ease and grace.

  The Program Coordinator Katelin St. Peter-Blair gave our group free reign of tech club, so naturally we have a longer leash to come up with activities for the kids and even ask the kids what they want to do. In all actuallty I find this a bit harder to do since we have 3rd grade kids or even just elementary kids to plan an exciting activity because I know that I'm no good with young children hence the whole Secondary Ed. major. However, as challenging as this might be for me it will be a great learning experience to work outside my comfort zone.