Dangerous statements for techs to make

I took librarians to task a while back about statements they often make that are dangerous for their careers. I'd forgotten I'd even written it until someone recently left a comment on the post. But it got me thinking.

Are there dangerous statements technology directors, technology integration specialists and technicians make that could be hazardous to our vocational health too? Have you caught yourself saying any of these little sound bites lately?

1. It's not in the budget. (People hear: Your need is not important to me.)
2. That's not my job. (People hear: Your idea is not worth trying.)
3. It's against policy/CIPA/FERPA etc. (People hear: I will use the threat of illegality as an excuse not to do it.)
4. It can't be done. (People hear: I don't know how to do it and I am too lazy to figure out how.)
5. It'll cause security issues. (People hear: Security is more importance than your convenience and utilization.)
6. It takes up too much bandwidth. (People hear: I don't want to deal with kids getting into YouTube or teachers using Pandora.)
7. The kids/teachers would just abuse it. (People hear: Everyone but me is basically irresponsible.)
8. It might break. (People hear: Everyone but me is untrustworthy.)
9. It's so cool I'm sure we can find a use for it. (People hear: The technology is more important than the educational use.)
10. I don't have the staff to support it. (People hear: Your need is not important to me.)
11. I don't have time to do it. (People hear: Your need is not important to me.)
12. We only support Windows (or Macs).  (People hear: You only support then platform you know best.)
13. It's so easy no training is needed. (People hear: If you had any brains you could figure it out for yourself.)
14. We can't give ____________ administrative rights. (People hear: Everyone but me is basically an idiot.)
15. Teachers shouldn't use the equipment/the Internet for personal uses. (People hear: I think you are a slacker and need to be micromanaged.)
16. Buy it. We'll figure out how to replace it in 5 years. (People hear: Having something new and shiny is more important than building a sustainable program.)
17. It'll set a bad precedent. (People hear: Individuals are less important than procedures.)
18. The kids will always know more than we do about it. (People hear: You are not as smart as a 5th grader.)
19. Technology would solve all your problems if you learn how to use it. (People hear: Spend your time learning to use technology on the chance it might solve more problems than it creates.)
20. You should be spending your own time learning this program. (People hear: Technology use is more important than your family, hobbies or other commitments.) 
21. You can't bring your own technology to school to use on OUR networks. (People hear: Everyone but me is untrustworthy.)
22. Silence. (People hear: Your request is so unimportant that it doesn't deserve a reply.)

I will be the first to admit I have said and probably will say again some of these statements. In fact, I've said them enough that I am sort of surprised I am still have a job or anybody who will still talk to me.

My goal for next year is to always answer a request with a "yes" and then discuss the how's and implications. But at least start with "yes."

Any other dangerous statements for technology people to utter?

Comments

[Nikki Robertson]

Thank you for posting this. Teachers (and Librarians) often become frustrated when the Tech Department constantly throws up brick walls with no legitimate explanation. Once I sat down and had an in depth discussion about why something couldn't be done I have a much better understanding of why the answer was no. I realize the Tech Department is very busy and doesn't have time to explain all their choices, but taking the time will lead to a better relationship with teachers.

[Kathleen]

I've gotten this from the Head of IT. "You can tell me about any technology needs you have, because your administrator, I know, he doesn't read any of your emails."

[Jennifer]

I had to laugh a bit -- and then cringe a bit at your list -- because I have said -- and have heard many of those things.

My favorite was #12.

When I first came to this job 3 years ago, my boss said "we will never have a mac on our network". We now have 5 and his is one of them. And yes, it all had to do with platform comfortableness.

I think #1 is a legitimate comment to make -- but when they should hear -- and what the whole comment should be is "it is not in the budget, but lets figure out a way to get it in the budget".

Nice post. Thank you

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Nikki,

Nice to hear from you. Hope your school year is off to a good start.

Communication between all educators is really the key, isn't it? We all seem to be so pressed for time we don't take the time to explain why we do what we do. Somehow, that leads to even more time pressures, poor relationships, etc. I know better communications are something I am always working on.

Doug

Hi Kathleen,

Hmmm, how does the IT guy know this???

Doug

Thanks, Jen. Like I said, I've made all these comments MYSELF as well!

I like your revised budget response. Another better response might be "Yes, let's figure out the finances and do it!"

Have a great school year,

Doug