Digital standoff

Ok, my youngest, Cameron (age 11 and yes, the one that won't read without complaint), and I have had round 5 I think fighting for computer time. I won; of course, I will always win. I think I might have also had a teachable moment with him about the old saying, 'If you cannot beat 'em, join 'em. ' As I am creating my PowerPoint and making sound effects and inserting sounds and animations, he has become increasingly interested in what I am doing. He has previewed my presentation, made faces and gave gentle criticisms. Then, out of nowhere some time after, he commented on how he liked the last part and then took interest in making more sounds.

I think this is a surefire way to engage a reluctant reader and a student with little interest in subjects that do not use technology. As my research has proven, technology such as digital audio and imagery can be used across the curriculum.

Among his numerous complaints, my computer and digital camera were filled with Kindergarten pictures. It was a natural decision for me to do a presentation on digital media in the Kindergarten classroom. I certainly had hundreds of pictures to choose from. Then I began my clip art and sound searches. It is amazing how time gets away from you when setting up transitions, animations, timing and sounds.

I have been at this for hours now but I am going to have to yield the computer over at some point. This fight is exhausting. I am ready to surrender. For now. Cam and I will resume our struggle another time. What happened to sleepovers anyway??