by Eleanor Blythe

Created on: August 13, 2008   Last Updated: August 20, 2008

Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

As a Teacher's Aide, I worked closely with kiddos every day. Young kiddos. Smart kiddos. And the sad truth quickly dawned on me: When it came to Mathematics, I was simply NOT smarter than a fifth grader.

In fact, fifth graders could run circles around me. Worse, it was my responsibility to work one-on-one with struggling elementary school Math students during the last hour each day. It was my secret shame that I knew so little. Thank God my text book was a Teacher's edition. I had the answers at my fingertips. But I did not fully grasp the logic, reasoning, or methods.

I realized that sooner or later, I'd have to tackle college Algebra. I needed a level of comprehensive above and beyond a fifth grader's. Because I loved my students, and because I wanted to understand the mysteries of Math, I researched online Algebra courses. Sure enough, several colleges offered Distance Education classes. In fact distance learning was coveted among employed adults. Distance learning would allow me to work during the day and study in the evenings.

Clearly, there was no excuse. My ignorance of Math was holding me back, and I could feel the drain on my career and self-esteem. Distance Education was a solution not available to previous generations. I considered myself lucky, took the plunge, and entered a virtual world of numbers, formulas and rules. Email, WebCT, and other online resources awaited. I logged on to access my textbook, homework and quizzes. I communicated with my fellow students, the professor, and an Aide. Surprisingly, I did not miss the face-to-face contact of a regular class. In fact, my distance class was much more immersive.

Oh, I was a fish out of water for most of the semester. But what didn't kill me made me stronger. Every evening I faithfully logged on. And I practiced. And then practiced some more. And I learned! I passed the class with a "C" - which was an amazing accomplishment for a Math-phobic person.

Finally, I could relate to my Math students, thanks to distance learning.

Learn more about this author, Eleanor Blythe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.