Teacher Commentary: Teachers don't need to be computer experts

Beth: Initially I was totally scared of all the technical things that go wrong because I get really frustrated and really impatient with computers. And I thought, "what if that ever goes wrong in the classroom - I'll freak out, the whole day will be a loss." So, initially, I was like "Oh, I can't do it, I can't do it." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a great opportunity it would be for me to improve my computer skills and just since I hate lecturing, it's an awesome way for me to get my feet wet in teaching without having to be the center of attention all the time.

Question One: When I called you to ask you to teach in the computer classroom], what were the thoughts that went through your mind?

Kathy: I was afraid that I didn't know enough about computers - that I should be an expert at computers to be able to do this. And that I wouldn't be able to do it because I've only used a word processor and I've only done computer input rather than manipulated programs.

Question Two: Why did you think that? What was your perception of the computer classroom at that point?

Kathy: Well, I guess I know you know computers so well and I guess I thought your expectations were that whoever you had in there should be at the same level you were. And then I have computer phobia and I always think that it would be difficult to learn, being all that I know is just the basics, that it would be difficult to apply other programs. The Internet - the idea of using the Internet has always been spooky and I found out the other day in my copywriting class that it's a piece of cake. So, I guess I had bugaboos in my mind that were not valid.