Joining the on-line crew

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship. (Louisa May Alcott)

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This could be, it seems to me at least, a good analogy for teachers and technology. By starting to learn about the technologies, by giving themselves time to “play” with the different tools, options and by reading about /talking to/sharing with others who have been using technologies in classrooms, they will feel comfortable to use them themselves. They will gain confidence in their abilities and more comfortable about being able to handle the unexpected.

A post that I found somehow reassuring was Love thy Luddite: The Importance of the Non-Techie or How I Learned to Stop Pulling Out My Hair and Love my Luddite by Mick Jacobsen

He discusses how he approaches bringing people into the on-line world under 3 points; 1. Listen 2. Don’t push too hard and 3. Respect.

The points he discussed rang true and I would add “patience” and empathy to the list of requirements. I must not be too anxious, impatient and too much of a technology zealot. I do try to avoid these traps but sometimes it is good to be reminded.

So, going back to the sailing/ocean theme, do we aim in schools, to try to stand tall, braced against the waves (of technology) 

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or are we learning to sail, charting our path and going forward (and bringing others with us)  

 

 

 

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