Darren Kuropatwa Dishes the Dirt
What an honour it was to listen to the conversation that took place with our EC&I 831 group and Darren Kuropatwa (DK). An inspiration as an educator but also hope as a parent. Who would not want their child to have an educational experience such as DK provides for his students? My true moment of inspiration was when DK decided, while showing a slide of a “Day In the Life”, opted to not show family time. This guy has got it figured out. Family time is precious in this profession and we give, often publicly, day in and day out. Our families deserve protection and privacy.
DK continued to speak of the power of technology to “amplify student learning.” How very true. I for one have assigned a “really cool assignment” that did not tap into rich understanding for my students. What’s the point? We get caught up in the “go to a workshop, come back to our class and do something neat for a day or two mentality.” What DK emphasized was that the learner and the learning must come first. Through technology the learner has a vast amount of portals to guide the learning.
I wondered how a family man could balance such a regime. When asked this very question, DK chortled about balance and it’s place in his life – sort of. This man obviously has found balance as he grows professionally each day yet, holds his family on a pedestal. I am a person who seeks balance continually. I wonder what advice DK would give to a mother of two, who teaches Grade 7 (generalists live a different life than specialists – sorry, but true!), and is also vice-principal? What is the secret Yoda??
Dave Bircher replied:
Yes, Darren does put the needs of learners at the forefront. I was really amazed at all the things he has done to incorporate technology into his classes. I do remember him saying that his blogs now look nothing like they did when he first started.
I have been trying to incorporate tech. mor einto my daily routine. It is nice when you can keep Reader open and see the updates come in. But get out of the routine for a few days, and WHOA, a lot of info. to go through. Alec puts it in perspective though, just look through a few aand comment on soemthing that catches your eye. Kind of why I am commenting here!
January 28, 2008 at 1:22 pm. Permalink.
Shaun Loeppky replied:
I am sure at first we all feel that the “balance” of technology in our teaching is that we are at the top of the teeter totter looking down and it scares the heck out of us.
Hopefully, this class and our experiences will lend some weight to our side and maybe we can touch the ground…I just hope the technology doesn’t slip off.
January 29, 2008 at 2:35 am. Permalink.
Todd Volk replied:
Angie, you are right on when you talk of balance. Those of us that are generalists live by a different set of standards than specialists. Throw in administration and family and then the fun begins. My only advice to you is focus on one thing at a time. You can’t do everything all at once. Pick a technology or teaching methodology that interests you and work with it. For me it was the creation of a mini-online assignment for Science. This year it is Math and data tracking for the improvment of teaching the skills. You don’t want to be a “jack of all trades and master of none”. Do the best you can with what you have while finding that balance because balance is so important. On a side note, I’m glad I read your post. I know I’m not alone as you have feelings like I do. Then I also read Dave’s comment…Alec’s advice is a great one to follow. One I think I need to adhere to as well.
January 30, 2008 at 3:28 am. Permalink.
angiebalkwill replied:
@ Todd Thanks for your words of advice Todd. I take them to heart as I am the sort that wants to do it all. I assume because of the newness I am inclined to nibble at a lot instead of savouring one or two main courses.
January 30, 2008 at 3:34 am. Permalink.