Empowering Students (04-20-08)

Last Monday, the staff of USD 281 became empowered. At least, that was the general idea.

Technology provided the emphasis for our spring in-service and our staff was treated to several “empowering” presentations.

First, our EETT teachers (that is a technology grant called, “Enhancing Education Through Technology) shared what they had learned at the MACE conference (Mid-American Computers in Education). They talked about wonderful educational websites, applets, and hidden resources. We learned how other teachers have utilized these resources in their classroom. Mostly, the three grade school teachers showed us amazing possibility and potential.

Second, the first grade teachers shared what they had learned from a Math Academy workshop. They led the staff through various cooperative math exercises and demonstrated several useful techniques. Their presentation was wonderfully hands on, and they reminded the staff at all grade levels that learning doesn’t have to be dreary and repetitive. With the right resources and approach, it can be invigorating and fun.

Finally, our staff was treated to the technological expertise of Tom Barnes, a specialist from the Southwest Plains Service Center. He took us through an amazing collection of web sites and Internet educational resources amassed by the Kansas Department of Education. They have placed these resources in a portal called “The Empowered Desktop.”

Of all the words in our language, “empower” is one of my favorite. It means “to give somebody power or authority” or “to give somebody a sense of confidence of self-esteem.”

It also means, “To equip or supply with an ability.” This is definition that fits best for education. As educators, when we are able to go beyond simple teaching and learning, and rather when we are able to empower our students, then we find true success. To me, the ultimate goal of any teacher is to equip our students with knowledge in order to supply them with ability. We should strive to give our students access to powerful tools in order to build their confidence in handling authority. In a word, empower.

The tools on the Empowered Desktop have been purchased by KSDE and are provided to public schools free of charge. The best part about the Empowered Desktop is that is provided to both teachers AND students AND support staff. When we submit our data each year, KSDE provide a username and password for everyone in the district, down to the cooks and bus drivers. Mainly, though, our teachers and students have access to research and testing resources that open up a world of possibility for them.

I believe that when the Empowered Desktop is used correctly, it will deliver of the promise of its name. It will empower teachers and students to be able to meet the challenges of our times. Tom Barnes was brought in to get the process started. Now it is up to us to take this technology to the next level.

Now is the time to experiment, to innovate, and to try new things. We have always done a superb job of teaching our students. Now is the time to empower them as well.