Steve Hartman of CBS News Assignment America says, “everybody has a story.” What occurs to me is that everybody has several stories. Our topic this month makes me think about the different personal experiences, events, crossroads that led me to where I am now. Which personal story should I share?
Should I talk about working as one of four core teachers in a National Science Foundation funded program in the late ’80s where technology was used to teach students? Or maybe taking my first online graduate course (and loving it!) from the University of Missouri is more interesting and pertinent. While that was a pivotal experience for me and one that convinced me of the potential of online learning and teaching, another story comes to mind that dramatically changed my view of education.
Somewhere around 1999 or 2000, I attended the National School Boards Association Technology and Learning conference in Nashville, TN. One of the keynote speakers was Guy Kawasaki, who had worked for Apple Computer on the original Macintosh project. Guy’s speech was based on a book he had written, “Rules for Revolutionaries.” His message truly resonated with me.
The speech focused on three different rules: create like a god (innovation), command like a king (leadership), and work like a slave (commitment). While I could tell you more about the specifics of the book and the speech, what impacted me most was his challenge to the audience. What I heard him say in essence was ”don’t be afraid to view the world from a different perspective,” “don’t hide from your mistakes, learn from them,” and, most importantly, “let go of the past, embrace, and anticipate what’s in the future.”
Wow! I owned what he was saying! My perspective has never seemed to fit the general mold, being the person in meetings who said, “why would we do that?” Not always a popular question with the superintendent! In the bigger picture of education, doesn’t it make sense to listen to different ideas, to take risks without fear of punishment, and especially, to let go of how we have always done things?! If that’s what it takes to be a revolutionary… sign me up!
Think about the experiences, events, crossroads that brought you to where you are today. Perhaps you, too, are a revolutionary. Remember, everybody has a story. What’s yours?
Thank you, Pam! What wonderful thoughts and truly inspiring messages to remember every day.
Pam – thank you for reminding me how fun change CAN be. I miss it being fun. Shane . . . .!
Thanks, Carla and Lee Anne!
Change IS actually a good thing! Not always easy but definitely better than the status quo.
One story that Guy Kawasaki shared was about a company that sold ice for ice boxes. The company failed to jump on the wave of new technology, thinking refrigerators would never catch on. As you can guess, they did not stay in business long after.
Guy’s point was you need to make changes with the waves of technology, not hold to “how we have always done it.” Made sense to me!