I joined this blog for two reasons: (1) because I wanted to explore using blog groups as a teaching tool and (2) because I wanted to start seriously thinking about the book I said I would write after I finished my dissertation. First, I really like social networking tools because they are both educational and empowering. Behind my online identity I have power! I feel confident and supported by my "net" groups - I don't feel this way face to face (f2f). F2f conversations and support are usually abrupt and ill conceived where as feedback from an online venue is thoughtful and calculated (in a good way :-)).
I think the majority of folks still see this venue as impersonal and cold. "How can you teach online when you can't have a f2f conversation?" It's hard to explain. I think they see it as time-consuming rather than an expedited process in which you can shift effortlessly when necessary then come back when you have the time and/or are emotionally equipped to express your thoughts truthfully and sincerely. I wish people would give it a shot because this is where our students live. This is the world they live in!
The upside is that I have started the thought process - I know now what this book will look like. I have started making connections, doing research, inquiring about education trips, etc. that will result in a publishable piece of work. I also have four friends who are concerned about the same things (roadblocks, time constraints, etc.) I am and we can talk about it via this blog.
The downside is the same downside I have with EVERYTHING! I always have way too many irons in the fire and I do everything about half-assed. One thing that I can say that has truly "turned a negative into a positive" from the experience is that I need to get some focus in my life - make everything connect. If doesn't connect then stop doing it!
Lesson learned...
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1 comment:
Wow. Cool post and deep thoughts. I felt you articulated your position on your writing process and on your writing task (the book) much more clearly than the first time you did it so your thought work shows! Being able to say that prioritizing and assigning effort is your big challenge is great. I feel like I only faced my prioritizing issues over the past 4 years when faced with too many life crises--finally had to admit that I couldn't do it all, wasn't going to do it all and wasn't even going to do it half-assed and that it wasn't good to do it all even if I could. At first that was depressing but I've reached a point that it has let me see which desires are shallow and which "last". My motto this year is "1/3rd" less Sally -- in weight loss, in projects, in things. Less is more in life and in writing.
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