Trying new things…

When I first started teaching in 1987 there were approximately four word processing software companies vying for your business. Another teacher and I wrote a grant and replaced our typewriters with PCs. That summer we unpacked and set up computers and busily wrote curriculum for software that we weren’t entirely sure how to use. I always laugh when I hear someone complain that they didn’t “get any training” on a new piece of software. That was the way it was back in the day.

During Labor Day weekend this year, I was trying to finish up an online course. For my final project, I choose to create a wiki – something I had never done before. I had a couple questions on the details of the final project. My instructor (to his credit) was not answering my emails. I decided to go ahead with my plan and create the wiki. His eventual email back to me was:

Hi Sue! So glad to see you charging ahead! A friend of mine, a third grade teacher, has a saying: "Don't stay stuck!" You're living that ideal! ~ Kevin J. Powerful Learning Practice

So a couple weeks ago in preparation for a technology conference, my fellow presenter said he was going to use a presentation product called Prezi. He asked, “Sue are you going to make a Prezi?” I said “Sure!” Then wondered to myself – what is a Prezi?

I like trying new things. I don’t wait around for someone to train me, I love trying new software, products, websites on my own. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good class or a great presentation just as much as the next person. However, I don’t let NOT having one get in my way...I don’t like staying stuck!



My Prezi!
Follow @Susan_Simonson