PTO Spotlight with Computer Teacher Bob Thomas!Q: Tell us about what you do at Driscoll School.A: I’ve been the Educational Technology Specialist at Driscoll since 1999. I really like my job. I get to do so many different things. I teach 6th grade students and I lead other classes in the lab. I work with teachers to help them find digital resources to support their teaching. I keep track of the computers and equipment in the school and make plans for purchasing new equipment.Q: Tell us about how you decided to become a computer teacher?A: I was a classroom teacher for more than 20 years before I came to Driscoll. I mainly taught upper elementary students - 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. I used a lot of technology in my teaching (even in the 1980’s). My favorite part of teaching was working with students on long term projects - especially films and digital presentations. I decided that I wanted to spend all of my time helping students use technology to share their learning with others.Q: You do some other cool things besides being a computer teacher at Driscoll, tell us about those.A: I feel fortunate that I have a job where I get to do so many things. In addition to teaching, I maintain the school website and Twitter account. I take photos of school events. I work with the 7th and 8th graders to produce their yearbook. I make videos and films. I troubleshoot when computers and printers don’t work (I love fixing things). I get to play with new equipment and I love finding new digital tools and games for students and teachers.Q: What do our kids do in Computer Class?A: Students use Macbooks, Chromebooks, iPads and iMacs to enhance and extend classroom curriculum goals. They reinforce skills through games and interactive tools. They explore concepts through digital play. They create presentations to share what they have learned. Students also learn some basic programming skills. Perhaps most importantly, they learn to be competent, comfortable, and ethical users of technology.Q: Fun Fact: What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I love to travel, especially on trains. I lived in Italy for 5 years and I make great pizza and pesto pasta.