RCE 7 and 8: Moving with others and admitting ignorance
Monday, December 31, 2007 at 10:39AM The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. Aesop
Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; argument is an exchange of ignorance. Robert Quillan
In a recent blog post, I visited the Radical Center of Education and suggested some principles for achieving this enlightened state of mind and how it will result in a change philosophy that may result in change actually occurring.
To travel fast, travel alone. To travel far, travel with others.
- Adopt an "and" not "or" mindset.
- Look for truth and value in all beliefs and practices.
- Respect the perspective of the individual.
- One size does not fit all (kids or teachers).
- If you think it will work, it probably will.
- The elephant can only be eaten one bite at a time. Or is it that you can't leap the chasm in two bounds?
- To travel fast, travel alone. To travel far, travel with others.
- Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
- Measurement is good, but not everything can be measured.
- Know and keep your core values.
I thought of the African proverb above after three recent blog posts caught my eye:
Miguel Guhlin at Around the Corner in his post "Revisiting Common Computer Activities" wrote that a list including these computer activities - "* Checking Email * Surfing the Internet * Playing Internet based games * Word Processing * Excel Spreadsheets ..." - stuck him as outdated and wrote:
A quick reflection on my computing habits yields these activities...how about you?
- Twittering
- Email, Calendar, Documents (Word processing mainly) via Google
- Blogging and maintaining web sites using content management systems
- Mild photo editing (built-in Flickr image editor is fine (Picnik)
- Photo library management using Flickr and Picasa
- Listening to music on my machine while I work
- Crafting video intensive presentations, including conversion of videos using a local utility or Zamzar.com
Yes, Miguel, most of the activies on your list would make my list too. And the list of most blog readers probably.
Yet a posting from the downloadsquad (via Stephen's Lighthouse) reports that "73% of Americans have never heard of Google Docs." I wonder what percent of Amercians who have heard of the other applications Miguel lists above? The percentage of teachers who use Twitter, Picasa, or Zamzar? I'll be dollars to doughnuts it wouldn't even be close to 73%.
This disparity between the blogosphere and the average Joe or Jane, leads thoughtful practitioners like International School Bangkok teacher Kim Confino in the always learning blog entry "Few and Far Between" to observe:
We often complain about the “echo chamber” effect out here in the education blogosphere. Sometimes it seems like we’re a group of technology cheerleaders enthusiastically shouting our successes to each other over and over - to the point that I often feel like I don’t have much to add to the conversation because it’s all been said before. But, over the past few weeks, I’ve realized that although we may be a vocal group online, the kinds of experiences we’re cheering about are truly few and far between.
and conclude:
I sometimes need to remind myself that the most critical part of my job to inspire change in the real world, not just within our connected group of educators. The reality is that those of us hoping to be voices of change need to make sure that we’re not speeding ahead on our own, but must always work to bring everyone else in our school environment along with us.
Speeding ahead is easy to do for those of us interested and invested in technology. But if experience has taught me anything, a school district needs to measure its technological achievements by how the majority of its teachers are using technology, not by it's few shining stars. (Every district has some.) The Radical Center emphasises smaller, but deeper, more wide-spread, and lasting change through the use of technology.
The problem with being too far down the road ahead of the pack is turning around to find that everyone else has taken a different path.
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
It's difficult to admit, but there are damn few things I know for absolutely certain, especially when it comes to technology and education. Thankfully, the older I get, the easier it is for me to say, "I don't know, but let's find out." Try it a couple times. It gets easier.
For some reason, our culture has replaced evidence with volume on too many issues. While it's very easy to say to those with whom one does not agree that they lack supporting evidence for their position, The Radical Center of Education believes one need to critically view the amount and validity of both (or all) perspectives. Self-examination of one's own beliefs is necessary for credibility. And to come to consensus on controversial issues, a consensus that vital information is missing (or is unknowable) must be reached.
The "I don't know" factor is a big reason I am boring you poor Blue Skunk readers by writing all this stuff out. Sorry.
Reader Comments (5)
As I reflect on the gulf between my tech use in everyday life/work and that of the teachers I serve, I am also struck by the aptness of the proverb you cite. Given the choice, I'd rather be the scout for the wagon train. While the wagon train is moving slowly, it is given to the scouts to move swiftly, keep the train well-provisioned with fresh meat, and report back on the conditions ahead.
Such tasks require experience, knowledge of one's own latent possibilities, and a willingness to travel alone and far, if not ahead, then to the flanks of the main group. The tools I have are ones I've provided for myself, customized for the job required, wielded with an easy familiarity. The tools the wagon train members have are newly purchased, if available, and will only be used for the journey.
The question is, what is the destination we all have in common?
Thanks for reminding me of the proverb...I quoted it to my daughter today as we explored the San Antonio Zoo today with a bunch of kiddoes.
Take care,
Miguel Guhlin
Around the Corner-mGuhlin.net
http://mguhlin.net
Doug, thought I'd write a bit more here...
http://www.mguhlin.net/archives/2007/12/entry_4110.htm
;->
Happy New Year!
Miguel
Hi Miguel,
I want you to know I appreciate the "scout" function you provide not just for your school district, but for the blogosphere as well. Folks like you who range out in front are vital to change as well.
The common destination is key, isn't it? Great point.
Loved the zoo pictures on your blog. The LWW and went skiing rather than to the zoo, but had a nice last day of 2007.
Happy new year, my friend!
Doug
Thanks for the mention (and quote) Doug!
The thing that I seem to be most frustrated about is how I find myself raising my expectations for others just as quickly as I raise them for myself - and the reality is that holding other teachers to the same standard that I hold myself (a tech enthusiast and excited 21st century learner) is unrealistic.
As Miguel points out, we do need a common destination - unfortunately, sometimes I'm not even sure if we're all on the same train!
Kim
Hi Kim,
I enjoy your blog posts and hope you will keep sharing your thoughts. One of the things I really like about reading blogs is getting to hear a younger generation's perspective.
One thing that I need to keep reminding myself is that technology is a "passion" for me and many ed tech directors and teacher early adopters. Other teachers may well have their own "passions" that are just as valid (and even more sane) than technology - kids, fishing, gardening, reading, travel, cooking, Tai Chi, whatever.
I do have faith that most people are in education for the betterment of kids and society since it is not a financially rewarding or particularly low-stress occupation. Sort of like heading in the same directions. Just different paths all going that way!
All the best and keep writing!
Doug
I am jealous of your Bangkok residence. One of my favorite cities that I have been lucky enough to visit several times over the years - most recently for the EARCOS conferences.