I really hate when my routine that I’ve had forever (or at least it feels like forever). Over time I have learned that getting up early works for me. I do things in a certain order that makes me feel like I have control. Control is important to me. Yet, sometimes my husband wakes up early and changes my whole routine. He offers to take me out to breakfast or do something special and even though it is wonderful, I still feel irritated by the interruption of my routine.
I think some teachers feel the same way about new technology. Even though it might be a great tool and may even help enhance their lessons, it still is a change in their routine.
So, the question is how do we change people’s routines and still encourage them to try new things?
I’m not sure there is a way other than mental preparation.
I think I am still learning that these interruptions may happen and I need to accept that they will change my routine. I have prepared myself for this. My mental preparation has become part of my routine.
When I think about how the possibility of a change in routine may happen, it helps me be prepared. Even thought I may not like having my routine changed, I can accept it easier if I keep preparing myself for the possibility. If I don’t keep mentally preparing myself, I fall into the same rigid rut.
This reminds me of exercising after a long time of not exercising. If I stretch every day, it helps me not feel so sore later. Even though I know that I am going to exercise, the stretching is important. I guess preparing myself mentally is just like stretching myself physically.
Maybe we need to constantly talk about it. I have read some blog posts lately where many people keep saying that we are past the talking and need to have more action. In fact, I agreed with them. But now, I’m not sure. Maybe the time for talking is not over. The more we keep it in the front lines, the more people will feel comfortable with it.
I remember a couple of years ago when Twitter first started. Everyone looked at me as if I was weird when I talked about it. Now it seems like most of the people I talk to use it too. Some of the people that now use it were pretty set against it back then but eventually they came over to the “dark side.”
I think that is how we will eventually persuade some people to try new tools. We need to constantly talk about the need for the tools and show examples of how they work. Eventually, something will click and they will be ready to try it.
What do you think? Do you think that we should keep talking about it or not?
Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com).
Original image: 'Chinese juggler'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28481088@N00/3287884496
3 comments:
I think most of the older teachers are satisfied with what they have now that's why there's no need for them to venture into other stuff.
I think having discussions is so important. But I keep asking when is the time for action...At some point we have dismiss talk and act. But talk is a prerequisite. Thanks for pushing my thinking...
I feel that change is a mindset something; however difficult, we have to consciously embrace. You make a good point that technology can seem threatening in the beginning. We constantly have to remind ourselves what the end result might hold and how we are helping to prepare others for their future. I feel that by trying to visualize the possibilities helps me to see change in a different light.
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