My Hands are Tied

This week has certainly been high-tech for me. I finally got a smart phone with unlimited texting! Now I can access my email from anywhere at anytime. Then, without any prior notice, the county's techs showed up to install a new computer in my office. And next week, I get a new laptop. Technically speaking (haha), I'm in heaven. But as I'm hanging out on cloud nine, I begin to ponder some things. This course has opened my eyes to the ways technology can be used to support instruction. Yet, with all the firewalls in place in many school districts, our hands are tied as to what we can use. Then, to add another layer of frustration, many of us are prevented from using certain webtools. It is our district's technology policy to NOT download certain screencasting tools. I was "busted" when the techs came this week since I had Jing installed on my computer. I explained that I use it for PD and in the place of having to call a meeting. I record the info on my screen and share it. We all love it- it saves time. Yet my hands are still tied. Luckily my district is on the right path and many positive initiatives are in the works. I'm looking forward to more freedom with technology....especially since I now know how to effectively use it.