Blog #2 Research and the Reflective Practitioner
I believe this journey into exploring Web 2.0 and it's many components has taught me many things. Most importantly I have learned that I am no where near as technically savvy as I thought I was. I am actually the opposite, and instead totally out of the loop besides the bare minimum. I have learned that simply knowing how to surf the web, compose emails and socialize on FB is not being savvy!! I am not discouraged though, because I am getting exposure, playing around and becoming familiar through trial and error which is how I learn best. In order for us to keep up, we must expose ourselves and that is what I am doing!
I think that in my current business role we could use some technical integration. I need to first become more familiar and then try to promote! Both blogs and wikispaces seem like something that might be effective in my current role. I plan to share the following site with those on my training team.
http://www.squidoo.com/blogs-and-business
This explains a little how once thought of as a social tool only, blogs can be used very effectively in the business world.
In my role we have employees in both the UK and in North Carolina. We are constantly fighting deadlines, going around and around with meetings and emails. The use of a tool to keep things central and allow everyone to be on the same page is exciting.
I have mentioned to some of those on my team what I am exploring, and they have yet to show any interest. It is now up to me to continue to become familiarized and present a good case for why these tools are positive and how we can make them work for us!
I find that people don't show interest until you model it for them or create the NEED for them to be included/involved in what you are doing. For example, if they need information, put it on the wiki. Then, they have to actually go there to get/read it. Start small!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this article!! I was like you. I was convinced I was technically savvy, when in fact I am a bit behind the times. Good luck incorporating your tools in your current position! I have been met with resistence too, but if we educate them on the usefulness of these tools, we might actually get through to them.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when I started my Web 2.0 journey. That is why I named my blog “Tech Savvy…or Not?” I always felt that I was technically savvy and could work my way around a computer pretty well, but as I started to learn about the power and implications of these new tools, I became overwhelmed and a bit discouraged. I asked myself “How on earth am I supposed to keep up with all of this!?!” I realized that the simple answer is that you can’t. There is no way that you can use every single one of these tools completely. However, I had to find the ways to make it work for myself and what I do. Once I fully embraced the idea that I can’t do it all, I actually started using these tools more. If you are able to really become familiar with a tool, you are much more likely to have a positive impact to those in your work environment. Good luck!
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