If I have learned only one thing from this course (which I have learned much more…), it is technology is ubiquitous and growing. As such, this is a sheer case of if you can not beat them, join them. Fortunately for me, I have an affinity for technology and anything “new”. It is my opinion “new” means change and change dovetails somewhat seamlessly with diversity. However I must admit, respectfully that is, that being forced to participate in change can often be uncomfortable; almost aggravating. For example it was a long time before I embraced using ATM cards, text messaging, Vista (still do not like it, and most recently blogging. I have the same attitude when it relates to new medications on the market. I am somewhat of a skeptic and reserve the right to analyze, evaluate, and re-evaluate before I “readily” accept.
Do not misunderstand me; I feel technology certainly has its place, particularly in library media programs. Yet, I have a profound appreciation for autonomy and will work to aggressively promote technology in my future library media program, while graciously recognizing diverse learning and educational styles and needs. I do enjoy a good blog every now and then, but am not convinced they are the “wave of the future” or that they will resonate with all. After having completed several of them, I still contend communication can be achieved through other channels more appealing to all; for instance, a simple e-newsletter or webpage. Perhaps my opinion appears jaded by the number of blogs and responses we have had to provide most recently, but I do not think so. I was not necessarily a proponent of blogging before, and my thoughts have not been altered as a result of this course.
What I have learned is there is so much technology available that I was previously unaware of and I am extremely grateful for the exposure. This experience has helped me view diversity from a variety of angles; and this overlaid with technology is in essence, “priceless”!
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4 comments:
Jami, I agree with you about technology growing and if you can't beat them, join them. I also agree that this course, which has required us to use a huge amount a time learning how to use and teach others about technology. I don't ever think I will join the blogging world either. It looks like we all need to have a positive attitude and not be afraid of trying new things. Once we have a handle on things, we will be able to serve all diverse learners.
I am with you on the late bloomer thing. I would be surprised if you were more of one than me. I only have a computer because I am taking online classes. I only have a laptop because the county I teach in supplies it and up until about a year ago, I had a pay as you go phone. I too was resistant to the whole blogging thing but I have to admit it does get easier the more you do it. Hence, I think that was why it was such a big part of the class. It might teach us as soon-to-be media specialist that some people have to be pushed into technology. Sure we need to be sensitive to their learning styles but also intuitive enough to know when to push. Even if blogging doesn't take off, it probably taught us something that we will use for some other technological purpose. By the way, I know we are not to just say 'good job' but you do have a nice writing style!
Analyzing, evaluating, and re-evaluating are critical components to all parts of our life. You are right to not just readily accept the latest fad or what the crowd is doing. What a great model you must be for your students as you promote this essential literacy/life skill!
The blogging world does have its positives and negatives. We've experienced a forced use of it because it's been a class requirement. But I'd like to share with you one blog that was created for a deeper reason. It's called 'The Book Whisperer' and is written by a 6th grade language arts teacher who shares her experiences and methods to inspire and motivate reading. Here's the web address: http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/
book_whisperer/
This blogger cares deeply in what she writes about and believes strongly in the need to share her methods and insights with others.
You are right that there are other avenues for sharing information, but for the Book Whisperer, she seems to have found an avenue that works for her.
I agree with your post. I, too, enjoy learning about new technology, but do sometimes find it frustrating, as well. I'm most definitely finicky when it comes to technology. I also have learned more than I ever thought possible in this course (I thought I knew about technology and that this would be easy).
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