I feel very strongly about the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the classroom. I love learning about new technology tools and applications. I hunger for interesting and thought provoking blog posts. I somewhat obsessively (according to my husband) check my Twitter feeds, my aggregator and my e-mail. I wait, not so patiently, for the next Ustream feed and jump into the conversation head first. And, I try to bring everyone else on board, sometimes very passionately.
Fortunately, it is my job to convince people of the power and importance of using technology in the classroom. Unfortunately, sometimes my zeal pushes people away, instead of pulling them on board. It is hard to find the balance. Teachers work really hard. We don't like to listen to people tell us we aren't doing enough. There is already too much to do. To many, what I say just seems like more work, especially in a district where kids are doing really well academically.
I'm really struggling with my impatience. I know that Web 2.0 can transform you as an educator and a learner. Writing this blog has done more for my intellectual growth than anything else I have ever done professionally. I only want to share my enthusiasm - for others to feel the way I do and grow the way I have. How can I do that without seeming too preachy and righteous? (Even though I know I'm right;)
15 comments:
One thing that works for me is showing people how some tools will make their jobs easier, or ease their workload. That approach has usually met with success. As you note, teachers don't want one more thing to learn. Show them how you can make their lives/jobs a little easier, though, and you'll definitely catch a few more flies.
This is hard for me, because like you, I tend to be very enthusiastic about new technology. It's all about knowing your audience, and knowing who you can talk about RSS and Twitter with, and who just needs to know how to update their new homework webpage.
It's kind of like dating: appear too enthusiastic and aggressive, and you turn a lot of people off. But if you act as if you've got something they may be interested in trying - but hey, no big deal if you're not - they're more likely to be intrigued.
The hardest part for me is knowing that there are just some people who will refuse to learn, no matter what you offer them. It's unfortunate, but I suppose it's also their prerogative.
I understand what you are saying and I agree. It's the curse of knowledge to some extent in my opinion. We forget the work and fatigue we felt as we took the first steps and we forget that many other people don't have the natural proclivities that brought us willingly into tech ed's embrace. I just did a podcast with Wesley Fryer where we delved into some of this. I am convinced that it is through real human stories, connections and events that have emotional resonance that we break through. Kids are the best point makers in my experience.
Technology Evangalists! That's it! We've "seen the light" and we want to spread the "word" well the collaborative doc anyway. Your post could be describing me. Recently I've been thinking that instead of trying to "preach" about the intellectual and professional growth afforded by web2.0 I might do better if I focused on demonstrating the time and effort saving aspects. I reckon if I can pull them in that way then the rest might be a natural progression.
One convert at a time Liz. One at a time.I feel the same way. I'm still celebrating a teacher at my school (who amazingly decided to jump into blogging and reading blogs--Mr Granito) and yesterday shockingly enough I find is testing the waters in Twitter. I finally have one who is listening, and others who are watching him with a lot of excitement! I'm one of them. He has been impressed with the folks who have dotted his cluster map (at my prompting through twitter). And he is realising the power of my network, and so testing it out for himself. It's exciting and motivating. If you feel inlcined, please follow him (mrgrantio) and direct message him too, with encouragement. That little dot on the cluster map helps too--he's at http://mrgranito.edublogs.org
You and I know well we are motivated to learn more by others in the web 2.0 world. He's just about got another 2 teachers ready to jump in. Yeah for me. One at a time...one at a time.
I think you just need to keep trying. I get very frustrated with how slowly districts, schools, and administrators come on board regarding Web 2.0. But I remember a great experience I had last summer, when I was able to take a group of MLS students to meet Librarian Lisa Drasek at Bank Street School, NYC. You would think that at that utopian environment everyone would embrace change. But no! Not always...She talked about how slowly people are to change. The mantra she has is "water on stone" you just have to keep drip, drip, dripping, to wear down resistance. I try to remember that when I get so frustrated. But the world needs technology evangelists, early adopters, and cheerleaders. They lead the way. Hang in there! (PS Came here because of your Twitter.m
Liz,
It was an odd feeling reading your post, since it seemed that I could have written it myself.
I have the same questions you are asking about how to walk the fine line between helping others "see" the value of using technology in the classroom and pushing "more work".
I have decided that I will continue being enthusiastic and show by example. I am spending more of my time with the teachers who WANT to, while I only offer tips and my help to the ones that rather avoid or don't see the value.
I (by no means)have found the golden middle way that does not make me feel frustrated and not seem "preachy and righteous" to others. I don't want to be perceived that way.
Looking forward to hearing more about your approaches in the future.
Silvia
aka langwitches
Liz,
Obviously your thoughts resonate with many.
I often fight back my enthusiasm and tell people that unless they can figure out how technology will make life better, not to bother.
I have an awful record of helping people create blogs only to see them die a slow or sometimes fast death.
I first began teaching folks blogging 3 years ago. I began with, "look how cool and easy this is". But just because it's easy, doesn't make it stick.
So the analogy that works for me is the pool analogy. You and I and others are having a great time all over pool. We're jumping off the high board, moving between the deep end and shallow end, encouraging each other to try new moves. Many haved only dipped their toe in and haven't decided if they want to get wet. Still others are outside the fence just watching. Maybe they don't even have a suit on.
I think it's fine to recognize all these stages and rather than keep telling people to jump in, we may have to get out and keep talking and explain what's going on.
So all that is to say keep having fun with those in the pool and to those you'd like to come in, don't make them bad just continue to show how much fun and learning you're doing. They have to be ready, you just have to be ready to help them when they decide they are.
Liz,
I agree with Cathy - one or two success stories (particularly if the efforts are pointed out to, and praised by, the superintendent!) always bring in a few new converts.
The teaching staff is JUST LIKE the students: some risk-takers, some fence-sitters, a number of firmly entrenched sticks-in-the-mud.
Take your victories where you can and wait for your tools to sell themselves.
diane
Thanks so much for all of the comments on this post. I know I am not alone. I love the dating, swimming pool and "water on stone" metaphors that you all have used!
I guess I just need to put on my bathing suit, jump in the pool, start flirting with the people on the other side of the fence and hope for a flood that will wash everyone my way.
The big problem that I have is the 'evangelical' enthusiasm that seeps out of me. A simple comment like, "My brain is full" tells me that I once again over-did it!
I'm beginning to share technology In a way trying to present Powerpoints... Good supporting discussion with very little content. Get them to see the value (as damian suggests). The other idea comes form Grays'
I would agree with some of the other comments on this page. You have to work on one person at a time. (Win over hearts and minds so to speak.)
Do not lose hope in your ability to help teachers teach or students learn, you are good at it.
Liz,
We just had a very successful "tech" un-conference at my school. It was really neat to see all the teachers in the district immersing themselves in Web 2.0 just to see what would happen!
In a way it was frustrating, though, as many of them decided that it was very useful stuff, but there is too much time required to really do a good job. Some got it, some didn't. I know that I have 'converted' at least two to Twitter - countless others to Audacity and a few to wikis and blogs. But, like Cathy said, one at a time. Remember, for you it comes easy, but for others it might not.
Kinda like teaching. :)
It is very lonely for me in my building. It seems like those who are most likely to get it simply "don't have the time". Others show mild curiosity when I speak or show off my wikis, but I get the feeling that they are merely being polite. . .
One day, though, they'll get it too. That faith keeps me plugging away and talking.
Ms. Whatsit [Wrinkle in Time?],
If only they knew how much more interesting, and even easier, we could make their lives!
Water on stone: wear them down, dazzle them, beguile them, hook them and reel them in!
diane
Hi Liz,
As you know, the whole thing is a no brainer.
Don't know how you go about getting the teachers interested, but hands on courses or one off sessions e.g. social bookmarking should show them the benefits. They need to participate to get over the first hurdle and i think most will get it.
I think just chipping away converting 1 at a time, (like i read in a previous comment is the way to go.) In the end the grass roots opinions of students and fellow teachers will force those that don't have the time to explore this fantastic technology - to make time.
Of course there may be some that don't like this new style of teaching and learning as it may feel uncomfortable for them, but i think in time most will come around.
Trying to give you some practical advice. I would say get student feedback comments to demonstrate how much students benefit from it.
maybe direct them to this blog to see all the supportive comments :-)
Good Luck, may patience be with you.
ps: let's say it one more time - you are right!
Post a Comment