Technology is beautiful and other tidbits

So I was handed a laptop two days ago at school. I was excited to get using it in the classroom, which involved getting my Octobers up and running and figuring out some minor logistics of it all. Yesterday, the acting principal (otherwise known as the SUPERINTENDENT for curriculum and revision) came into my classroom informally while I was using the computer with the projector. I explained that I could not use my activboard because I didn't have sufficient plugs. He said he would get a powerstrip for me.

Well today, B, the head of district technology came in to help me. Lucky for me, I was using the technology, although not the activboard, and she took a few minutes to help me get set up. In that time, the kids were quite disengaged, but they were well aware of what was going on as many of them are already familiar with using the activboard in the classroom. After she got it all set up, she pulled them right back into my lesson simply by writing a question on the board. Instantly, they were back. I had their undivided attention and they were eager to participate. It was an exciting moment!

This week has really kicked my ass. Yesterday, I was observed for the first of three times this year. My VP had the honor of coming in. I had planned to have him in third period, while I was taking a big risk on a technology lesson that could have potentially bombed. But life is about taking risks, right? Well, he had to defer to a later period, same subject, same lesson. It was an invigorating experience to pull off the whole lesson without a hitch! He was impressed with my classroom management skills and various other things within my lesson. The only suggestions he had were two minor issues with time management and one regarding team teaching. It was a success!!

Now, if only the weekend would get here faster!