It was a pleasure to have Mr. Earl Jones as our guest on Eduporium Talks. Mr. Jones a 5th grade teacher from Baltimore, MD is currently an elementary educator at a bilingual public school in Washington, DC. His educational background includes service as a teaching assistant at the University of Maryland, College Park and volunteering with organizations that assist people with dyslexia and adults preparing for the GED and ABE exams. From our conversation it is clear that Mr. Jones is not only a passionate educator, but also one who is ready and willing to utilize the new opportunities available through the doors that technology continues to open in education.
Q: I have a tremendous amount of respect for teachers who teach well. I think it requires you to bring your heart and soul to ignite a passion for learning in your students everyday. What lead you to this profession in an age where it seems like everyone want to be a singer, rapper or basketball star?
A: It sounds very cliché, but I really got into education to help the next generation. I have a lot to give and want to pass this on to the young children. Growing up, I saw so many ineffective teachers who simply didn't try their best to push for student achievement. I've always had a passion for educating others and passing on knowledge. I have much respect and admiration for athletes and entertainers and the influence they have on others but what separates my career from theirs is that I'm directly changing lives everyday. I'm there in the trenches. This is what I aim to do.
Q: I think most people have had a teacher whose class they looked forward to attending because of their approach to teaching. Who was that teacher for you and what was it about them that you loved?
A: That teacher would be my 10th grade geometry teacher, Mr. Johnson. Again, this is cliché, but he made math fun. It's no surprise that geometry can be boring but he made it exciting everyday. He showed that he really cared for students by taking time to make it appealing to us.
Q: We have come so far with technology in general and especially as it results to education. Do you remember your first computer class experience in school? How do you think teachers can use technology more effectively in their classrooms?
A: I do remember my first technology class. This was a typing class in 8th grade. That was my first real exposure to technology in schools.
Nowadays, I see teachers using technology everyday, from showing YouTube clips of math skills to using CAD programs to teach science and math. I believe that some teachers should consistently be using technology more. This is the generation who grew up with laptops and iPods. These students are used to doing things electronically. Less pencil and paper.... More computers!
Q: Each student learns differently and personalizing teaching methods for each student continues to be a challenge for educators. How do you tackle this challenge in your classroom? Do you think that technology such as the iPad may aid teachers in personalizing education for student and if so in what ways?
A: I tackle this challenge by planning my lessons with every single student in mind and thinking about how I will engage them and meet them at their academic level. I have students whose math skills and reading levels range from 2nd grade to 8th grade! That's a huge gap. I need to make sure I'm pushing all students academically.
I definitely think that iPads can aid teachers. My school is fortunate enough to have iPads that teachers can reserve for their classrooms. This absolutely helps me. There are so many programs and apps that my students use on these iPads that are designed for their individual needs. The good thing is, most of these apps are games so students are having fun while learning.
Q: I read an article recently that spoke about a study on the benefits of technology in the classroom and the findings were that 78% of K-12 teachers agree that technology has had a positive impact on their classrooms. The study also found that some teachers are either hesitant or unwilling to embrace new methods of teaching that include bringing technology into their classrooms. Why do you think some teachers are hesitant and what can be done to help them be more open to these new methods?
A: It's unfortunate that some people are unwilling to embrace change. One thing that I had to learn to do is teach differently than the way I was taught. Education like any field is evolving. Things aren't the same today as they were ten years ago. Almost all current teachers were taught using pencil, paper, and a chalkboard. It's difficult to adapt teachers to using iPads, computers, and other technology to teach. What should be done is adequate training on the general use of technology. My school (correctly) assumed I knew how to use an iPad. Many older teachers don't. Why would they embrace something they're unfamiliar with?
Q: What do you personally find most challenging on a day-to-day basis in teaching your students? What role do you think technology can make play in helping you conquer those challenges more effectively?
A: The single most challenging day-to-day task is keeping all students completely on task. My students are 10 and 11 year olds. Like most children their age, they're going to get unfocused and off track a bit and pass notes, or have side conversations while I'm instructing.
I feel as though if I could incorporate technology into my lessons EVERY DAY, I would have complete focus. The days that we use computers and iPads, I have EVERY student's attention. The students love gadgets!
Q:Thank you Mr. Jones for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us. We welcome you to the Eduporium community and look forward to your contributions in the near future.
Our Creative Director, Akil Johnson, conducted this interview.