Dena’s Blog

I came across an article in my Google reader from TechLearning called “Seven Tips for Technological Late-Bloomers.” Although I don’t consider myself necessarily a late bloomer, I do have a hard time keeping up with technology. Part of the reason is that I get comfortable with something and I don’t want to give it up for the “next best thing.” Another part is just the whole issue of TIME.

Here are my comments on each of the Seven Tips and what I need to work on.

1. Assess your own level of skill and apprehension toward using technology. I don’t think I have apprehension per se, but the bullet went on to say you have to decide how much time and energy you’re willing to invest in gaining new skills. It’s not that I’m not WILLING to invest the time; it’s that same old problem of not HAVING the time. If I’m spending time gaining new skills, then there is automatically something else I’m not doing.
2. Find what learning resources are available. I don’t have a problem with this one. I consider it a personal victory when I find the answer to a question or a problem. I like to “win.”
3. Plan ahead. Give yourself time to process the skills. Uh oh. This is a doozy for me. I like to jump in the water before I’ve even changed into my swimsuit. (Terrible analogy, but the best I could do.) I don’t plan ahead very well. I want to start using things NOW!
4. Start small. This goes along with the one above. I find something that is cool and interesting, and I want to make it work immediately with EVERY SINGLE ACTIVITY I TEACH. Well not really, but I have to rein myself in.
5. Consider the audience. I don’t have a problem with this most of the time, since my students for the most part have access to technology.
6. Have a backup plan. Being a literature teacher, I can always resort to old-fashioned books.
7. Have a way to measure your success. You mean I have to do this? I’m not successful just because it worked? It has to mean something too? Ha ha