Journal #6
Inspiring Students with Peer Tutoring, by Brandy Smith

This article was inspiring to read. The author provided an opportunity for students who would otherwise slip into the background of a classroom to become leaders among their peers. Students who were extremely shy, had behavioral issues or had great potential but were otherwise neglected because other children were gaining the attention of their teachers were asked to join a Tech Club. This Tech Club met for two hours after school on a weekly basis. The children were taught how to use laptops and honed a variety of skills that could be used in the classroom. They were then asked to give presentations to their peers and conduct small group tutorials on the technology they mastered.

This program accomplished several things. First, it provided students with more time using the computers. Laptops that were otherwise left untouched by teachers, were checked out and used in the classroom on a weekly basis. Second, this program allowed teachers to integrate the use of technology in their curriculum. Instead of sending the children to the library to do research for a project, the teachers invited the Tech Club students to come into the classroom and teach the children how to do searches on the Internet. Not only were students learning about a particular subject matter, they were learning about computers as well. Finally, the project allowed the Tech Club kids to develop leadership and teaching skills that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. What a great idea this was!

Question: Would I be willing to host a Tech Club at my own school?

Yes, I think this is a brilliant way to get kids excited about technology and learning. I think it is absolutely worth the few hours of extra work each week to see these children succeed. It is empowering and has the potential to set the tone of their learning experience for the rest of their lives. I would love to be able to make an impact like that.

Question: What can I do now to prepare myself for taking on something like a Tech Club when I begin to teach?

I already have integrated more technology into my lifestyle. I bought myself a laptop computer and am using it daily. I am also taking the time to learn about the various programs available… I am using far more than the Internet, word and power point on a daily basis. This class is also quite helpful- I am no longer so intimidated by technology. I have learned that with just a few minutes of exploring a program- I can learn so much about it.