Trying to stay connected is harder than it looks. Adding to my list of things to do this week is to carve out a small amount of time to post here at least weekly.
I feel like I do have a reprieve based on a recent reading of Digital Leadership by Eric C. Sheninger. Reference to the importance of leading by example in the meaningful use of technology is critical as our educational landscape perpetually changes. The addition & ubiquity of new tech tools provides us with endless opportunities for research, production, and engaging tools for all learners. Gleaning this from numerous readings & synthesizing info from numerous Twitter PLNs allows me to continue growing & learning professionally and personally.
In #digilead, Sheninger states that
'knowing when to unplug is as important as when to connect.'
As a connected educator who has taken an hiatus from blogging, I appreciate this philosophical principle. It was the right quote at the right time. Rebooting of the "Trying to Stay Connected Educator" is in session.
As educators, we are charged with providing the critical, long standing skill set of effective face to face communication with our peers, superiors, parents, and students.
The chronological unfolding of the written word (think Guttenburg Bible), to the A. Bell innovation, to cell phones (initially serving as our mobile communication device to becoming a mini-computer) communicating via text. We are plugged in allowing us to stay 24/7. This is a fact with pros and cons. We are more connected with friends & family now more than ever. We simultaneously speak to someone,text and search online with a device the size of our palm. The future is literally in our hands,
Did anyone see this coming? Dick Tracy fans out there? Wearable tech is on the rise and rightfully so. We are on the move and need more convenient products to serve our ever expanding need for connectivity and "just in time" communication. Did we plan for the potential of increased anti-social behaviors, the need for tech etiquette in all forums, and the need for modeling and mentoring for our youth to recognize the importance of continued human contact & face-to-face conversations? If not, let's do it now - tweet your thoughts to promote healthy face-to-face communication in concert with our tech tools still in hand. @camcalis #chaties #unplug&talk
