Time to Play!

Making the switch from MS Office is a very interesting and tough decision.  As a teacher, my first thought is, “how am I going to switch when I’ve not had any professional development on Google Docs?”  I then asked myself the same question I would ask a teacher looking to implement a new app on their iPod, iPad, or phone - “have you just sat down and played with it?”

On occasion, my response is generally treated as a joke.  In many cases I am joking.  However the reality of it is, technology seems to be evolving into a user friendly, intuitive product.  When downloading an app on a device, there is no user’s manual, much like the books that I generally tossed aside when I unwrapped a new Nintendo or Sega Genesis, game - I guess I am revealing a little about my age.  Even then as a kid, I didn’t rely on the user’s manual to learn the game, I just played with it.  On occasion, I’d read a Nintendo Power magazine to learn various tricks, shortcuts, and tips for the games I found interesting.  Oh my, I’m starting to see how the technology metaphor in my life has evolved!!!

As I return to my dilemma of giving Google Docs a try, I remind myself that I don’t need a professional learning workshop or a user’s manual - I’d just toss them aside anyway.  I just need to sit down a “play with it.”  The same goes for technology in the classroom.  While I’m sure I’d love to know exactly how to use the technology - this would be very useful should a student have question.  However, I’ve come across a novel concept... ask a student to help!  Or, better yet, search YouTube for instructional video.  My recent favorite way to learn is to post a question to Twitter or Facebook, where I can get solutions or tips from others in a matter of seconds.  Could YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook be my modern day Nintendo Power magazine?  

In any case, I think I’ve just proven a point to myself.  I’ve written this entire blog session using Google Docs.  No, it wasn’t fancy, nor was it difficult.  The skills I’ve learned in the past using MS Office have pretty much transferred to Google Docs - even the copy/paste shortcuts are the same!  In any case, I think I’ve just taken a large spoonful of my own medicine.  Becoming familiar with today’s technology doesn’t require a workshop, high priced presenter, or even an entire day of training.  Becoming familiar with today’s technology just requires the adults to take time to act like a child, and just play!