The memo read, "In order to be in compliance with CIPA regulations, all students must receive instruction regarding internet safety annually..."
The "instruction" was a short video that all the kiddos had to watch. Simple enough. I explained to the group what was up, and I put the video on.
"Can I go to the office to pick up my schedule? I've already seen the video."
I explained I realized that she had already seen the video. Last year. But she had to watch it again. She could go to the office after.
Oh, you'd think I was planning to torture her. (You've all see instruction videos for things like this. I freely admit it was as tedious as you imagine.) She whined. She needed her schedule right then. The video was boring. She didn't need to see it again.
So, I stopped the video. Reiterated that it was an annual requirement. That most jobs required such trainings regularly, and she was going to sit still for the video whether she liked it or not. And I'd start the video over each time she complained.
That got the complaints to stop (especially when I did actually start the video over). But she wasn't watching. She was watching me.
I turned and watched her right back.
"Stop looking at me."
I explained that she should have been watching the video.
"I can't watch the video with you looking at me."
I explained that if she was watching the video, she wouldn't notice me. She debated this. As long as I was watching her, she'd watch me right back.
Deep sigh.
I wish I could tell you this was the first time I've ever had this debate. Sadly, I've had this conversation (with different students) many, many times.
I never had to do an internet safety video with my students, but if I had, I'm sure I would have had this conversation with them, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd put on a pair of sunglasses so she couldn't tell if I was watching her or not. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL. Unfortunately, I had the lights out so they could see the video. But I'll have to consider that.
DeleteYeah, every job has those boring videos.
ReplyDeleteDid you note for the teacher that she didn't watch it and would need to see it again?
Considering how tedious those videos are, I don't blame her for complaining. Although the whole "staring at me" thing is verging into toddler territory.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to daydreaming through something dull? I'm an artist; always have been. Thank heaven. It got me through so many wasteful moments through the decades.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteAgreed.
DeleteI agree, there is a lot to be said for daydreaming - and yes, this is good training for the adult jobs that will also have boring annual training requirements.
ReplyDeleteThere are all sorts of banal tasks at school that have real world work corollaries. And I point that out each time they complain.
DeleteOh wow that would drive me bonkers.
ReplyDeleteHer, or the video? Although, true for both ;)
DeleteI'm sure the video was dull, but what is she, 5?
ReplyDeleteThey grow up and will be the same adults who complain...I`ve seen it. Too bad you can`t say she didn`t see it so she would have to watch it all by herself with the teacher in the class
ReplyDeleteThat would have been too funny.
DeleteI used to think they would grow up....but with the world the way it is, not so sure about that anymore. I dated a guy in high school that was 18 when we started to date. He had a job, a car, responsible....and I look at my 17 yr old grandson and thing just how immature he is....
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of dependent on the kid, as well. Keep in mind these are the kiddos who failed out of the traditional high school.
DeleteOh and I forgot....STOP WATCHING ME!
ReplyDeleteExt time, tell her you’re part cat and can out stare anyone.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one!
DeleteReminds me of the HIPAA training we have to do every year at work. We do get paid for it but it can be so boring, but then you have to pay attention because there is a quiz at the end that you have to pass by 70% or above.
ReplyDeletebetty
When she does that at a job, she'll learn her lesson soon enough.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking with a co-worker who graduated from (continuation) high school in 2008. She had to have lock-down drills when she was a student. Do you have to perform those drills with your classes?
ReplyDeleteI haven't. I think there's one drill a year (that I've managed to miss). However, I've been at the schools when they've had an actual lockdown. A few, actually.
DeleteYou continue to amaze me with the patience you have with these kids!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if staring back at her is considered patience...
DeleteGah! Sometimes I just turn a blind eye. They can get you down too much otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI will on occasion. But when I was already looking...
DeleteOh it would be so hard not to roll your eyes some days.
ReplyDelete