Introductions (Blog 1.1)

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My name is Cynthia and I really have very little talent with technology. I learned about my lack of talent my senior year of high school, where I received Cs and Ds in computer science. My brain does not like structure and methodical planning and organization. My brain prefers more creative/artistic pursuits. I left that class with the belief that I would never deal with technology or work in a technological field.

 I have been working as an Instructional Technologist for a community college for the past nine months. My first day of work in this role was proof of my lack of talent in instructional technology, but talent isn't a requirement for success. I've lost track of the number of times an instructor has asked me a question I could not immediately answer (it happened about 25 times during startup week alone), but I know that if I search for answers, troubleshoot, and ask questions, I will eventually get to an answer. Persistence makes me smarter and more talented in my job.


Instructional technology is becoming more and more complex every day. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are making it possible for students to have a customized learning experience within their LMS or through adaptive learning software...and if that isn't complicated enough, it is possible to integrate adaptive learning software within an adaptive LMS. Persistence will help me to understand how these platforms work and how they can benefit instructors and students. I'm starting to think that persistence might just be my talent.

 I've also learned over the past three years working in higher-education that everyone I interact with has the potential to do something unique and remarkable. My favorite part about working with faculty is hearing about the remarkable things they have done with their students in past semesters, and helping them to realize what remarkable things they can do in the future. By persisting in my pursuit of learning about this field, I can share what I learn and watch instructors take that information and plug it into their courses. 


I have never felt an inclination to be a teacher, but I have always enjoyed working with instructors.I believe that my purpose as an Instructional Technologist is to help faculty realize possibilities in their own classrooms. 


Comments

  1. MakinzieAugust 26, 2018 at 2:51 PM

    Wow! That is such a unique and powerful "Why" story! Thanks for sharing. You have come a long way I suppose, because you seem very tech-savvy when we have worked together on projects in this cohort!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 26, 2018 at 5:08 PM

    I really like your story. You were not afraid to admit that technology is not a talent of yours regardless of the degree you are pursuing. But at the same time you work as an Instructional Technologist and not let the words "talent" or "technology" keep you from what you are good at.."the persistence to learn more about your field to help other educators be the best they can be for their students". You are probably right, persistence is probably your talent. I truly loved you outlook on this. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. UnknownAugust 27, 2018 at 3:46 PM

    I love your story! Your quote fits perfectly. As an educator so many of our students feel like giving up when they don't get it right away, your idea of persistence is exactly what our learners need today especially with all the knowledge readily available online, making some learners feel the answers should be given not worked for. I will be using you as an example for my students when talking about what persistence is!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 29, 2018 at 5:27 PM

    I love your journey through higher ed. I to believe everyone can contribute something amazing. They just need to find their passion, and build on it.

    ReplyDelete

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