#heweb09 - beating the dead horse

Catching up on the #heweb09 Chronicle comments. This one stood out.

6. dank48 - November 18, 2009 at 08:31 am

Do I understand this correctly? These are “educators”? “Teachers”?

I can’t imagine what on earth they could possibly teach that any sane person would want to learn.

Educators? Yes.

Teachers? Yes.

We educate our superiors about “webby things” often using phrases such as:

  • “No, double click.”
  • “Forward slash. Not back slash.”
  • “Please upgrade from IE 6.”
We also teach our faculty about “webby things” often using phrases such as:
  • “Under Construction signs should not be used on your page.”
  • “Please upgrade from Netscape 2.”
  • “Please follow the style guide. Pretty please.”
A large portion of our day is spent trying to educate the very people who teach our students.  The same people who, more times than not, refuse to change, are the same people who, on a daily basis, are trying to prepare our students for the future.
CHANGE? Can’t we just accept things the way they are?
One thing I love about my job is the fact technology is always changing.  If I can somehow make use of a new technology to improve the flow of communication, then I’ve made a difference.  I would gladly change places with a superior or faculty member for an opportunity to make an even bigger difference.  As trite as it may sound, I’ve been in higher education for 10 years because I relish the days I leave the office knowing I made a difference.
I can’t imagine what on earth they could possibly teach that any sane person would want to learn.
Let us not forget, this is higher education.  As a general rule, we don’t have the opportunity to teach the sane.  We’re educating our superiors and teaching our faculty…remember?

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  1. bpmore posted this