Meet Rita Sorrentino, Computer Teacher

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How are you involved in education?
I am the computer teacher at Overbrook Elementary School in Philadelphia. My classes range from K-5. The students are very eager to work (and play)  on the computer. Today, there are so many ways for us to extend our learning and make local and global connections. I continue to learn with and from my students.

What’s your ideal classroom or school like?
To address the needs of all students, I like to envision a school that combines physical and cyber space for teaching with opportunities for support and enrichment. All classrooms would have enough physical space to house face2face teaching and learning as well as soundproof centers for small groups to work on projects involving review, research, and production. A combination of computers, laptops and iPads would be standard supplies for the classroom, along with cameras, scanners and printers.  With today’s digital tools our students can become almost professional photographers, broadcasters, and filmmakers if we give them the opportunities to create. Additionally, the school would house vending machines with lessons on flash drives. Teachers would be hired to work alongside the classroom teachers to develop these in conjunction with the standards, and oversee these cyber lessons in a learning lab.  When necessary (due to illness, student or family needs), students can enroll for Cyber School for a certain part of a semester or marking period. Throughout the year, parents, students and teachers would be invited to Webinars to learn about school programs and continually work together to make their school meet the needs of all students.

Have you ever attended an unconference before?
Yes, I attented EdCamp Philly at Drexel last year. Enjoyed the conversations and activities of the day.

If you were to lead a session at EdCamp, what would it be about?

I would be interested in a session  on Using Photography to Enhance Writing. Writing and Photography have many things in common – composition, focus, style, details, “show not tell.” Through use of digital photography, our students might see more connections between the word (reading and writing) and their world.

Do you have a website or blog?

http://ritasorrentino.posterous.com/

Are you on Twitter?
@ritaas

What is your favorite digital tool?
KidBlog.org