It can happen like this.
You can convince the right person that you're a reporter, end up on the right list and find yourself in the White House Press briefing room. If you decide to confess to a veteran reporter that you're "just a teacher" he might get a little choked up because his 35-year journalism career was launched by a high school teacher. Then he might offer to take a shot of you standing behind the podium for evidence (because you won't be sure this is really happening). He can take the picture with your phone so you can picture message your group who have no idea where you are, and your friends might text back "wow" and "what?!?" and "OMG!" You will probably grumble about how you can't post the photo on Facebook from your phone but you'll promise to get on Verizon's website to find a way to save the photo. And when you get home you'll get busy, and eight months later a student (not your own, of course) might steal your phone because, well, it can happen like that.
It's not because I'm a Luddite that I don't have Web access in my hands at all times. It's because I'm poor (or cheap). And because good stuff gets stolen where I work. I'm being sensible, right?
And I sure do wish I still had that photo.
Sara Hennes
Cody High School
Detroit, Michigan
I rarely pull my phone out at work--really only with yearbook or when I need a timer--my real timer was stolen. Most of the time, I lock my purse and phone up. If I don't have it out and am not using it, kids don't know I have it.
ReplyDeleteI understand your conundrum. I held off for a long time...in fact, it's only been about 9 months since I added texting to my phone plan. I didn't think I needed it, just as I thought I didn't need internet....I was wrong. I needed to understand my students and the tech they use. I needed to be on the same page as them.
Jamie Nusabaum
Sheboygan North HS
Sheboygan, Wis.
I am completely with you, Jamie. I'm actually going to use my per diem to buy an iPhone when I get home. Having a "dumb phone" makes me feel so out of the loop. I can't read QR codes or participate in little surveys (like Alan's about the reporters yesterday). ...and I missed out on a free drink at a restaurant because I couldn't text the week before I came here...so important! Not really, but I do want to catch up with my kids. Debbie
ReplyDelete