In principle
This summer, JG is taking 3 classes in the ever-present teacher-quest to Move Up the Salary Scale. The courses are all of the same ilk: week-long, 8 hours a day, held at a local high school, 3 credits each. It’s a relatively painless process, even though the classes are usually mindless, and the school district reimburses the cost.
Well.
Tomorrow is the first day of his first course, where the aim is to teach teachers how to integrate an iPod Touch into their classrooms. As such, the tuition is higher to include the cost of an iPod.
So, let’s review:
- JG is taking a “class” about using an iPod.
- After reimbursement, his school district will have paid for said iPod.
- This racket is enough to help boost him along the salary scale.
In principle, I am totally indignant about this whole thing. A week in a classroom “learning” about a free iPod constitutes professional development and grounds for future increased pay? Even when the course instructor routinely lets students out a few hours early every day? And then, tax dollars pay for this process? It’s ludicrous, really. It’s hardly a semblance of education.
In reality, however, I can not escape the fact that we are getting a free iPod thanks to his school district, wherein we do not live and therefore do not pay taxes. Neither JG nor I have ever had any kind of digital music player, so I’m looking forward to being able to make playlists and download audio books.
But in theory, I am incensed! (Really.)
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I know just what you mean. My district bought all the librarians new iPods and while I loved using it, it was also like “um, and you say there is no book budget, huh?”
Wow. I need to move to a new state. We move up the pay scale for taking classes, but the cost of those classes comes out of our own pockets. Certainly, there are no free iPods! Good for JG, though.
I see your point, but you also have to consider that many teachers older than JG are quite possibly technology illiterate. At least when it comes to newfangled gadgets.
All of the music teachers in my husband’s school (himself included) received an iPod Touch the first week of classes. No extra course needed. No guidance on how to use them. Just a free iPod Touch, with their names (Mr. [last name]) and class engraved on the back.
I think Dave has barely used it for class. Really? This is what we’re using our tax dollars for? (As my mother would like to say!)
While it is a nice electronic toy to have on hand. That is what I view it as–a toy. Not something critical for a person to have in their daily life.
Yeah, I would view that as an irresponsible use of funds. Especially as you know it is going to be obsolete in a year.
Yes, YES! Theoretical annoyance!