The Amazing and the Not so Great Aspects of Technology

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with students from different parts of the world. I love the fact that I can be in my office interacting with wonderful people that I might not otherwise have had the chance to have met. I can see their faces clearly and hear their voices. Everything is perfect, to an extent. As grateful as I am that I can connect with others online, I cannot help but miss the power of being in the same physical space together-to be able to read the subtle cues of communication that can be missed in the online experience. Yet, online teaching and online learning will only grow in importance, so how can we better equip ourselves to ensure a more than satisfactory experience?

In my opinion, flexibility is key. For instance, understanding that the strength of the internet connection differs around the world. Understanding that life continues to happen in spite of us being in "class". For example, a young child may need her/his mother's or father's attention in the middle of a lesson. Depending on the platform being used, the connection may be unstable and cause temporary disruption. Therefore, enjoy the amazing aspects of technology when they work and be flexible with the not so great aspects when they do not. Technology can help us connect, but it is our flexibility in attitude that determines its success as a means of communication.