This may be a strange post written by someone who blogs about education and sometimes about the amazing things that we can accomplish using technology in our schools. I love what can be done now with our students. I love the connections we can make with people and experts around the world. I love that we can learn from everyone and anyone we want. I love the difference that technology is making for some of our more at-risk learners. Technology is starting to bridge the gap for some learners as it enables them to express their learning in ways they have never been able to in the past.
But, the truth is… I’m no “techie”.
Some signs I am not a techie….
When it is Family Movie Night in my house, I need to ask my 3-year-old to start the movie. I’m not even sure which remote to use- Why DO we have so many remotes?
- On many occasions, I have tried to use a projector at school, become frustrated that it was broken, called for help, only to realize it wasn’t even plugged in! Oooops!
- I have often called our Head Secretary to help me on a spreadsheet or other computer issue (which takes her usually 2-button-pushes to fix).
- How do I get our report card program to work, anyways?
- Countless times I have tried to figure something out, pushing many keys and buttons, crossing my fingers and hoping for the best – only to make something work, but have no idea how it happened or how to recreate what I just did!
- There are many things I have no idea about!
- Cords, cords, cords! Ugggghhh! That’s all.
- List list is endless….
So, if I am not a techie, what am I?
- I am a risk-taker.
- I am not afraid to push a few buttons and hope for the best.
- I am inquisitive.
- I am a learner.
- I am a collaborator.
- I am optimistic.
- I am a problem-solver.
- I am a challenger.
- I am a wannabe.
- I am a member of an inspiring PLN.
What does “being a techie” mean to you?
Are you a techie?
It's All About Learning 
I am just like you — not a techie, but technology and all the doors it opens enhances so much of what we do in our school. For us at Phoenix, the kids are the ones who pass down the tech skills and creative ways of using technology throughout the whole school. We, of course, are the facilitators and moderators, but I can’t begin to do what they can do on a computer, laptop, or iPad.
I am considered a ‘techie’ but my goal is ‘simple elegance’ – like a light switch – one button & it ‘magically’ works! Our eportfolios are ‘point & click & assess’ and I try to have a “3 button maximum” to access anything online! If it ain’t easy, I ain’t encouraging it! Want risk taking, not frustration building! Great share!
Totally not a techie, but a complete nerd here…I love to learn and love the challenge that comes with trying new things.
The part that bugs me is that when people think you’re a techie, it’s hard to break out of that label. I would consider myself more of an artist/musician/writer etc just as I would consider you as more of a writer, facilitator and leader.
Just like tech makes teaching different, it also makes our expression of ourselves different too…if people can see beyond the tinkering with gadgets that we do to try new things 🙂
Thanks for being techie enough to post your thinking on your blog. I adore your thinking and open sharing.
And tech makes that expression of you awesome 🙂
Hugs,
Diana