Primary Pig

traw Elementary was a quiet primary school with teachers and students who had positive attitudes towards teaching and learning.  Primary Pig was new to the school and had only been teaching for four years.  Mrs. Porkchop loved her twenty-two grade three students and was excited about their educational adventure together.  When Mrs. Porkchop first heard that The Director of Technology, Mr. Wolfe, was coming to visit Straw Elementary, she felt some relief since she was no longer a beginning teacher who viewed technology education as an extra or a burden.  Within her pink portable she had her own VHS and TV combination, an OHP and a single computer.  Mrs. Porkchop felt it was a wonderful start to including technology within her classroom.  She had nothing to worry about – she had a positive attitude about technology!

he primary teachers at Straw Elementary were enthusiastic and excited to integrate technology into their classrooms.  All of them had a computer in their own room and viewed it as a learning tool.  Students were able to type stories, answer math questions and draw pictures on it.  Having this technology enabled students to explore computers and become more comfortable and confident around them.  Some teachers even used technology to assist with problem solving!  Now, Mrs. Porkchop admired those teachers who were able to take technology to this level and knew that with her determination to provide her students with advanced technological education, she would one day be there too!

he day Mr. Wolfe arrived at Straw Elementary it was a cold and stormy day.  He thundered into Mrs. Porkchop’s portable startling her students.  There was only five minutes left in the day.  “Could he not have waited?” she thought.   He watched anxiously as the children prepared to go home.                 

nce the portable was silent he huffed in a loud voice, “Mrs. Porkchop, your narrow view of technology is inhibiting the technological advancement within your classroom!”

    “P-P-Pardon me?” cried Mrs. Porkchop, who was expecting to be complimented on her will and desire to introduce technology.

    “I expected to see a greater understanding of your technological knowledge.” boomed Mr. Wolfe.

    “Mr. Wolfe, I am doing my best!  It is hard enough to teach all of the subject areas never mind the addition of technology, but I am keen in providing my students with a learning environment that is new and exciting.  I believe that technology will do this.”  Mrs. Porkchop confidently stated.

    “Well then, Mrs. Porkchop, you better develop an action plan in which you are able to meet the demands of technology within Fairytale Land.” announced Mr. Wolfe as he stormed out of the portable.

rs. Porkchop sat down in shock, as her confidence in her abilities to integrate technology dwindled.  She believed she had the skills needed and the desire to meet the challenges in that such implementation brought.   How could she implement technology in a way in which Mr. Wolfe would be satisfied?  Maybe she did lack technological understanding?  Mrs. Porkchop decided it would be best to seek the advice of a distinguished colleague – Secondary Pig.  Maybe she could help!