This is not my first attempt at reading this well-written book about web tools. It is, however, the first time that I am giving it a serious effort towards a positive read.
I find this statement, “The people who’ll understand this best are probably just being born” to be of interest. This is actually a quotation from another source and it is referring to the fact that even though changes into the Read/Write Web are ten or more years old, the changes will take many more years to process. Later in the reading the author refers to the fact that technology is effecting and changing all areas of life including politics, journalism, and business. He could have easily mentioned medicine, agriculture, travel, just to name a few. But the impact of these technological changes is just beginning to effect education. Personally, I feel frustrated by these facts. Try as I might, it seems nearly impossible to stay abreast of the rapidly changing advances in technology – especially on the internet. Trying seems like a whole other job . . .
Along those same lines is the thought that states, “we are not going to get any less plugged in or any less open in terms of how we live our lives. These shifts will only become more acute.” I’d like to be less pugged in.
However, I readily admit that I can see the benefits of the various web tools. ”. . . Tens of thousands of teachers and students have begun using some of these tools, but the vast majority of educators still have little or no context for these shifts. And more importantly, very few people, educators or otherwise, have yet to experience the transformative potential of these new tools in terms of their own personal learning. . . . our ability to easily publish content online and to connect to vase networks of passionate learners will force us to rethink the way we communicate with our constituents, the way we deliver our curriculum , and the expectations we have of our students.” While I continue to make feeble attempts, I have not experienced the transformative potential of these web tools. I can see the potential, I understand the theory, I am easily frustrated by the practice. This is somewhat accentuated by my role at school as a part time teacher of young children and part time administrator as well as the limited time and equipment for such endeavors.
I know of a lady who started, managed, and grew a service at a university. She opened a copy center where she filled copy requests for teachers and professors saving them many hours of tedious work. She was a kind lady who completed her tasks on time with accuracy, efficiency, grace and cheer. Business was so good that she needed to hire an assistant and part time help from students. Eventually she needed more assistants and more help. At first she was easily able to adjust to the small changes that naturally took place when old copiers were replaced with new ones. Technicians were eager to show her the newest bells and whilstles and to teach her how to use them. But then things began to change. The technology became so sophisticated and changed so rapidly that she could not adjust quickly enough up. At first she tried to keep up . . . eventually she gave up. Her assistant now manages the business. Although the business bears her name, I know this was a sad change for her. I’m feeling a little like this lady, former owner and manager of the ___________ Copy Center. I realize however, that it is my own fault. I”m not stupid. I just have little interest, and, because I’m am immigrant and not a native, it’s a challenge. So it becomes a challenge to face a challenge in which you have little interest.
