I was about to throw in the towel for this assignment after multiple attempts to find someone who has personally used cell phones with students. Many of my colleges knew of someone who knew of someone who has, but no one was getting back to me. I finally had to ask for help from my professor, Steve Dembo, for support. And then I was introduced to this brilliant man, Darren Kuropatwa from Winnipeg, Canada. Darren has inspired me to become a better person and teacher. He truly was amazing. Just from our conversation, I would call him my mentor. He will be someone I follow in this world of technology. In case you would like to follow him, here is his blog: http://adifference.blogspot.com/
Darren and I conducted the interview via Skype on Friday morning. He just got back attending a farewell party for him from the Department of Education. This fall he will be returning to a school district to work on 21st century curriculum. We Skyped and I was able to view his screen and projects as he shared them with me. The man blew me away by his talent and technology ideas. He gave up an hour to talk to me about technology. I asked how I would ever repay him and he said to “pay it forward. Well,Darren, in five years I hope to be a one-tenth of your talent.
Some of the questions I asked Darren:
1. Why should we use cell phones in the classroom?
Darren stated that cell phones are powerful tools for the classroom. There are four main things they can do: to text, take pictures, shoot video, and talk… audio. Cell phones are able to collect data quickly and easily for teachers. Teachers need to set guidelines for the students to become ethical digital citizens. “Teachers and students need to build a sense of community at the front end in which return is less control in the back end.” By allowing cell phones in the classroom creates amazing student work. Students put more effort into the projects because they realize anyone in the world can view their work. Anyone can leave feedback about your projects when you share them across the Internet. The feedback “gives students a powerful emotion and connection to their work”
2. What inspired you to explore technology?
Darren started a blog to grow professionally. From there others like Terry M. and Gram from Australia reached out to him and shared ideas. Technology allows for educators to disclose ideas and materials. A sense of community is built when we use technology inside and outside the classroom.
3. What should I consider about using Web 2.0 tools?
1. “Pick one things that works really well.”
2. Be able to move/share /embedded-example YouTube
3. That the site “plays nice with others” able to bring into share with other websites.
4. One piece of advice to tell teachers using technology?
Darren stressed the most important thing a teacher can do for their students is to ask questions that captures the audience attention. Questions open our students to think outside the box, which leads to amazing work. At this point, Darren shared some wonderful project ideas and the types of questions he asked. You should have seen some of the projects he was able to get some high school students to produce. Those students will never forget those mathematical concepts. Take a look for yourself: http://www.slideshare.net/dkuropatwa
Overall this experience of Skyping Darren was incredible. He was extremely approachable and willing to share his wealth of knowledge of how we can incorporate technology into our teaching. I wish it wasn’t the end of the year because he has me so excited to teach and use technology.
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