The first aria of Handel's Messiah is “Comfort Ye, My People.” It could also be the theme for the second Sunday of Advent, as readings focus on the prophecy of the Messianic Era, where peace will reign and natural enemies will be reconciled. The prophet's message talks of coming joy despite current suffering. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1).
While I certainly don't want to suggest that the message of the technology revolution is a Messianic prophecy, sometimes I feel like I and others in edtech are telling people about great times to come. I believe that digital tools, used correctly, can bring new opportunities for students and transform teaching. Hopefully I'm not echoing the vapid message of Jim in A Glass Menagerie who brags that he has “an idea of what the future will be in America, even more wonderful than the present time is!” but I believe that much of what I talk about is good news.
But do I bring comfort?
Honestly, too often the answer is no. I know that many people agree with me, some are excited by new possibilities, and others are gratified to find a kindred spirit. However, many people are concerned, worried, or even frightened by new developments and my words sometimes exacerbate these fears. After a talk or presentation, I see the people who come forward, but I don't see the ones who slip out of the back shaking their heads, worried that they don't know how they will learn this or how their school will pay for it.
I suppose this is to be expected, even Isaiah was not so touchy-feelie all the time. I'm certain that the people of his time found many of the prophecies to be very uncomfortable. Change is frightening to many, and I can't in honesty say to them that this will all go away if they just wait long enough. A time is quickly coming when a teacher who is not proficient with technology will not have a place in education and a schools that is not a technology rich environment will be irrelevant.
But I don't think this gets me out of the obligation to speak comfort to people, not the comfort of denial, but the comfort of understanding. Maybe I need to sacrifice some confidence for acknowledging problems, less telling and more listening. Maybe even a little less smug humor and more humanity.
How can we bring comfort while sharing this good news?
As always, I welcome your comments.
Image: 'what now?'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61411590@N03/5859097301 Found on flickrcc.net
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I cannot share your total enthusiasm for technology. It has a place, but only a place. At the Apple Store on Friday, a mother asked her 3 year old, “Now what is your password?” She did this so mommy could do something else while Sue was distracted by the iPad Mini. In too many ways, I think technology is just that –a distraction which takes away from the job at hand, be it parenting or learning. Technology is a tool, like a hammer, a means to an end. Let us not worship the hammer as an end in itself.
This was sung at Mass on Sunday by a very gifted soloist. It was awesome! I enjoyed it so much and missed the connections you drew. I will listen with new ears next time!
This is why I LOVE my new position-I bring comfort to the teachers who feared the change. They call me and I am there to help them. I think having positions like mine in place when you start is important. My teachers who were once fearful, now get excited with every baby step!
William, I will tolerate a lot on this blog, but I cannot support your anti-hammer hate speech. Anti-hammerites and pliers-deniers are the scourge of the Internet. 😉
Thank God I did not use a Lude or you would have accused me of being a Ludite.