Session #5 - Beginning the Rainbow

Tonight was the last of our five official mentoring sessions for the imet program. Margie has come a long way in the last five weeks and I must say that I am impressed with her daunting attitude and persistence. She has a multitude of written notes that she has taken about all of the different topics that we have discussed and practiced together. Although writing down all of the individual steps slowed the process, it is a great reference for her and helped me to learn patience. I believe that a boundary has been crossed in the last five weeks. Margie was not comfortable with technology she already possessed. In many instances, she would not use the technology because of lack of confidence in the operation of these devices/programs. In the last five weeks Margie has become comfortable with the consistent use her PDA and has learned how to download pictures from her digital camera and upload them to the internet via flickr. She has also learned the importance of proper file naming protocol and has explored the depths of her grading program, setting up and naming files for the entire next quarter's grades in the process. She has learned how to use GIST (Graphic Interface System for Teachers), a graphic presentation program that complements the SIM program that is the professional development focus for our district. Another of her accomplishments was learning how to transport her grades from home to school and back using her flash drive. Completing her well rounded techno-education was the task of uploading her grades to her TeacherWeb site where students and parents alike can view them. Her technophobia has been greatly alliviated and has constructed a sound foundation for future training. Together we have started the rainbow and I will continue to help her reach for even more accomplishments.