Thing 1 and Thing 2

Well here goes the tech/social/web adventure. Funny that it should start with "Thing 1 and Thing 2." I always thought that the Cat in the Hat exemplified the contrast between the good and bad of trying new experiences. I look at technology, especially the social/ Web 2.0 stuff, much the same way. It's like an electronic Janus facing in two different directions, toward the possible benefit to the educational process and, at the same time, toward the possible abuse of the applications and the subsequent detriment of the same educational process.

I signed up for the "23 Things" because I like to learn new skills, learn about other's ideas, and want to know what my students work with on their own. I hope to learn what tools can enhance my course and which ones won't. I'm also a bit of a tech geek.

As for Thing 1, I found that much of what was covered, I already knew existed. It reminded me of one of those compositions you used to have to write for some courses in which you had to use as many of the listed words or phrases as possible. It was crowded and forced together. I came away feeling like I was reading a Russian novel and having to refer to the cast of characters repeatedly to keep track of who was who. I also wondered how these characters had enough time in a day to repeatedly look at other peoples blogs, rss feeds, listen to podcasts, and respond to them as well as writing their own blogs etc. If I was confined to bed with no other social interaction or interests, I might have enough time and energy to spend that much time at a computer/ipod/phone screen.

I look at writing on the net as a bit stultifying. Without facial expressions, inflection, body language, or tone, it is difficult to write with the assurance that you won't be misunderstood, or taken in the wrong way. I do not feel the "freedom of anonymity" that is so often attributed to writers, especially young writers, on the web.

Enough for now. It's time for some Thai food.