What a busy couple of weeks... With so many simultaneous group projects going on, it's a challenge to compartmentalize. Without technology, I would be lost, so I've decided to articulate those innovations for which I am especially grateful at this moment:
1) Email: Without email it would be virtually impossible to work with people residing in three different counties, working different schedules/jobs... I can only imagine what it would be like to create a multimedia project with people without email communication - I think we'd be stuck writing letters to be carried by pigeons! I am also thankful that email gives me a link to instructors, colleagues, friends and family from whom I am able to gather insight, advice and strength to aid me on my journey...
2) Cell phones: Along with email, cell phones and text messaging have brought tremendous convenience to communication lines. With three different configurations of groups, all with different members, it is a blessing to have numbers programmed into my phone and to be able to communicate from virtually anywhere... I can see how the innovations of teachers who use cell phones to engage students are likely to become increasingly popular as everyone seems to have a phone in hand these days...
3) Media tools for presentation: This blessing is mixed... As I read Todd's blog about differences of opinion, I was considering how the tools available can make one's life easier, or conversely, more problematic. I think a precedence is set by high level graphic skills of professionals, and novice users, like me, feel an insatiable need to compete with the pros for an excellent presentation. That being said, I am thankful that technology allows me to turn my amateur photos into a "neat" slide show, equipped with music. I am also thankful that media tools help me to add a professional tone to my school and work projects.
4) Electronic calendars: I think the invention of electronic calendars might be the most useful on my list... I cannot imagine getting through a day, let alone a week, without my groupwise and iPhone calendars. With meetings, presentations, and classes scheduled to the minute, I rely heavily upon my calendar to keep me focused, prepared, and on-time. I can't believe I ever used to carry a Day Runner - what was I thinking?!?! I guess in the 90's, that was cutting edge.
5) Wi-Fi (and coffee shops that stay open past 7!): I could have added electrical outlets to this item... What a necessity to be able to get out of my home space, to actually get work done. As I sit in Black Horse, thinking about the three other coffee shops I have frequented this month, I am grateful for soy chai lattes, the fact that I can plug-in anywhere and be instantly connected... Digital roaming feeds directly into my vision of school without buildings... what joy!!!
6) All things Apple in nature: I am quite certain other people love their MacBooks as much as I love mine, but let this, my final blessing counted, be a reminder that technology can be user-friendly, capable of incredible programming, fun to play with , and, to top it off, RELIABLE!!!!! Thank goodness for that!
In closing, I am thinking about how the technological blessings in my life translate into my increased efficacy as a student and educator... While I have a long way yet to go, I acknowledge that I have come from the age of Day Runner... so I've already traveled pretty far.
No comments:
Post a Comment