Frustration Sets In

Two weeks ago, I posted a blog about my excitement concerning the new technologies I planned to implement in my English IV class. This was my first time using any of the fun stuff we have learned with this class because they have been reluctant to participate this semester. Nothing I've done or planned has excited them, and it's draining my joy. Normally, English IV is my favorite class; I've taught English IV more frequently than any other subject. This semester, however, the class is different.

I usually have students complete a Canterbury Pilgrimage and Prologue project using PowerPoint, but this semester I wanted students to use MovieMaker or PhotoStory. Two students of 24 used MovieMaker. No one used PhotoStory. Like many teachers we know who are reluctant to change and adapt as technology does, most of my students were reluctant to try MovieMaker or PhotoStory and stuck with PowerPoint because they were more comfortable with the program. The two students who used MovieMaker created awesome movies, but neither one met all the requirements for the project. I gave step by step instructions for what needed to be included in the project along with the grading rubric on day one. Still, students did not follow directions. I even gave a quick tutorial on PhotoStory to show students how easy it is to use. Next semester, I think that I will require students to use MovieMaker and PhotoStory rather than allowing PowerPoint as an option.

I also mentioned in that "excited" blog that I had created a Ning for this class to demonstrate their knowledge of the Canterbury characters and characterization. This was a disaster. Many of the students couldn't gain access to the Ning for whatever reason. Some said the email invitations didn't come through, some didn't follow the directions I gave in the Ning, and some just chose not to participate.

I guess my biggest frustration is not with technology, my frustration with this group stems from a lack of care and participation. 23 of the 24 students in the class this semester have to pass this course in order to graduate. While this is normal in most high schools, this is not usually the case for our students, who begin taking college classes in their sophomore year. Every student in the class but one has had a previous experience with a college English course but were unsuccessful because of their motivation and lack of participation.

I thought that using the new technologies with this group would turn them on to learning because they are so into MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking adventures, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case. I would love to hear if any of you have any suggestions for motivating this group.