My service site for this year is the Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology at People's Emergency Center (PEC) in West Philly. We help "bridge the digital divide" by providing access to technology and high-speed internet to those who otherwise have difficulty doing so. Part of my responsibilities include coordination of our after-school programs, including one for 5th-7th graders called Tech St@rs.
The students watch interactive video modules online that teach computer basics, such as the parts of a computer, typing skills, email protocol, internet safety, and word processing. After completing all of the videos over the course of the semester, they receive a free refurbished computer.
One of the sixth graders in the program has been hanging around PEC for a while, since he lives along the main business corridor that PEC is dedicated to revitalizing. He often comes into my office to hang out, even on days when he doesn't have class.
A couple of weeks ago we were talking about his progress with the videos, and he mentioned that he had only earned one score of 100 on the quizzes embedded in the modules. I encouraged him to strive for higher grades than "just passing," and told him that his 100 was proof that he could earn more. He replied that he wasn't someone that earns 100s, and I continued to encourage him to try for more.
One day this week he came and said, "Today I got TWO 100s!" I affirmed his new realization that he is indeed someone who earns 100s, especially when he aims to do so.
Such small victories for "my kids" are so crucial as they grow up in a society that tells them that they can't--and won't--achieve anything. Yes, taken as a whole, Philadelphia's schools are terrible. But they have bright kids who need only a little bit of encouragement and a standard of excellence, and they can achieve as many 100s as they want.
The students watch interactive video modules online that teach computer basics, such as the parts of a computer, typing skills, email protocol, internet safety, and word processing. After completing all of the videos over the course of the semester, they receive a free refurbished computer.
One of the sixth graders in the program has been hanging around PEC for a while, since he lives along the main business corridor that PEC is dedicated to revitalizing. He often comes into my office to hang out, even on days when he doesn't have class.
A couple of weeks ago we were talking about his progress with the videos, and he mentioned that he had only earned one score of 100 on the quizzes embedded in the modules. I encouraged him to strive for higher grades than "just passing," and told him that his 100 was proof that he could earn more. He replied that he wasn't someone that earns 100s, and I continued to encourage him to try for more.
One day this week he came and said, "Today I got TWO 100s!" I affirmed his new realization that he is indeed someone who earns 100s, especially when he aims to do so.
Such small victories for "my kids" are so crucial as they grow up in a society that tells them that they can't--and won't--achieve anything. Yes, taken as a whole, Philadelphia's schools are terrible. But they have bright kids who need only a little bit of encouragement and a standard of excellence, and they can achieve as many 100s as they want.
No comments:
Post a Comment