How can computer facitities at my school help me?

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 | laptops, training

You are in a fortunate position if you are teaching at a school where computers are available for teaching and learning.  The computer facility in your school can be a great help to you to learn how to use your laptop, and also to get optimal use from it.

Many teachers are hesitant to hook up with the experts at school.  Don’t feel intimidated by your peers when they appear to have more technical knowledge than you – learn from them as much as you can.  The brief fable of the Boy and the Nettles contains a powerful message for you.

A boy was stung by a nettle.  He ran home and said to his mother: “Although it hurts me very much, I only touched it gently.” 

“That was just why it stung you,” said his mother.  “The next time you touch a nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you.” 

The moral of the story: whatever you do, do with all your might. Don’t be half-hearted.

If your school has computers, use all the opportunities that this may present to you.

Training: Make use of any training opportunities that are arranged by the school, or offered to the school by training institutions.

Printing: If you can’t afford a printer, take your printing to school and print what you need on the school’s printer.

Internet: If you don’t have an internet connection of your own, use the facilities at school.  You can download material you need and save it for later use.

Vendors: Hardware and software vendors often do presentations or demonstrations at your school.  View these sessions as learning opportunities.  At times they may even allow you to use their products as part of their licence agreements with the school.

Your school could be a valuable source of encouragement and help to you while you are coming to grips with your laptop.  Don’t be like the boy with the nettle: grab the opportunity firmly with both hands.

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Tags: laptops, laptops, learning, schools, training