Technology is not for everyone!

I was recently in a local elementary school completing a field experience and encountered a very disturbing situation.

At least two of our local elementary schools have computer programs for signing in and out of the school. This is, obviously, amazing.

I think most of us assume that everyone in this country has seen a computer, has used a computer, and is also good at manipulating computers. But we are wrong.

On this day, I watched as a Hispanic mother and father attempted to check out their son on this system. The front office clerk gave them some simple instructions and went on her way. Unfortunately for them, they did not speak much English.

I watched them struggle for a few minutes (I was waiting behind them to sign in myself). I wanted to step in immediately, but at the same time, I didn't want to be condescending and just assume they ddn't know what they were doing.

Some people take longer with computers than other people.

Finally, I realized they didn't know how even to move the mouse so I stepped in. Meanwhile, the front office lady is oblivious to what was going on.

The father said, "I'm sorry. I have never used a computer."

I told him that was okay and helped him. It pretty much broke my heart that he was made to feel incompetent.

I'm sure they aren't the only ones, too. A simple set of instruction, in English and Spanish, would have made a big difference. ...Or just a little awareness on the part of the office clerk.

I witnessed first hand how technology is not in everyone's life. Now I just have to apply that knowledge to my future classroom.