Ramblings from the Father of Twins

As a career changer, I’ve had the experience of having the latest technology at my finger tips. From laptops, to telecom equipment, to computers – the latest and greatest were available so I could maintain my edge when providing training for others. Many of my student participants wanted and desired the latest for their businesses and offices nationwide. I quickly learned that with the newest Technology, many hours of planning, development and testing were required before the final product could be presented. Within these hours though, I realized a solid foundation was important.

As I’ve made my way into FCPS, I have realized that many of the same traits apply in education. My new group of clients have specific needs just as my business associates did. The only exception is that the information I present is taken and redesigned into a format suitable for students. With these experiences in mind, I believe providing a basic foundation for all of my teachers (clients) is the best method for their growth. This foundation will allow them to discover, at their own pace, methods that will reach and allow them to teach their students effectively.

We all hold the responsibility of providing instructions for the students we teach. However, each student does not receive the information in the same form or fashion. It has become my focus to provide specifics only after an individual assessment has been completed. Although this is not an IEP, I strive to provide the information in a format the end user will understand and will not allow them to become frustrated in the process. Learning the new technology is relatively easy but in every case, the time and effort must be placed in the development of the presentation -or the so-called “how to” instructions. These “how to” steps always must include specific plans, goals and information. If these basic fundamental items are not there, many of the instructions are just lost in the translation.