Tao Virtue

In the book, The Tao of Giving and Receiving, it states, "The essence of Tao mentoring is in admitting that we need help on our path....If we fall down or make a mistake, it is fine simply to feel our insecurity and plunge back in, with the mentor's help. Now, go ahead and make a huge mistake, and trust that your mentor will help. Forge ahead, knowing that you are okay, able now to teach or mentor others who have fallen themselves. If we are afraid to admit that we "don't know," we may appear strong for a while, but the illusion will surface. And just think of all the energy it takes to uphold the illusion! Tao mentoring frees us to pursue life's wonderful lessons without fear of failing or being exposed." (page 12).

I love this part of the book, but this is also my mentee's weakness. She does not like to ask for help and she does not like to depend on anyone. This has proven to be the biggest challenge in our relationship because I have to be very subtle about my knowledge in technology. If I come on too strong and act like I know everything, then this pushes her away. I have found that it is best for me to be quiet and wait for her to discover her learning. Also, I wait for her questions before I give her any information. Learning the dance with my mentee has not been too difficult becuase I have worked with her for seven years. What is difficult is taking on the role of being her mentor and trying to gently guide her along the way.

Class #1

It was exciting to see the enthusiasm in my mentee's face after her first "computer class". The topic of the first class was, "Using the Internet to Enhance your Curriculum. " She shared with me that there is a grant available for $1,000.00, to use toward buying a projector to help us with teaching the internet in the classroom. Traditionally, we send the students to the computer lab, but with our proposed laptop program for next fall (September 2005), we will take on the sole responsibility of utilizing the technology in the classroom. I was so glad that my mentee was thinking ahead to the future implementation of the program. She is going to apply for the grant. I really hope that she is selected. Our next talk will be after her class to hear more about what she is learning. I still need to work with the email account, but I will wait until she gets to that point in her computer class.

The Unexpected

I couldn't believe when my mentee said that she signed up for computer classes through our district's professional development center. I was amazed and needless to say wonderfully surprised. I think that this will help me a great deal because she will be getting instruction from someone else, but it will give me the benefit of having a dialogue with her about her experience. Then we can take it to the next level. I look forward to see what she learns from her classes.

The Decision

The decision was made today at our school, to spend our technology money toward a newly configured lab with 20 desktops and a class set of laptops for the fifth grade students. This is good news and it also reaffirms my desire to spend a little extra time and guidance with my mentee. If we are going to use the wireless laptops next year, then I want to see her become more familiar with using a laptop this year. If we don't get the laptops in time for the spring, I will let my mentee learn how to use mine. I'm sure her husband can also help her at home. One idea that I have is set up a chat account with her. This might give her an incentive to log on at home. Another idea I have is to send her emails to her school address. I know for myself that the best way for me to learn how to use technology is through time and experience. The other key factor for me in my learning is that I have never been alone in my endeavor. Hopefully our relationship will help me mentee become more confident in her computer skills.