The end is only the beginning...

            As I reflect back on this course, I clearly remember the first week.  I was honestly a bit nervous to develop a blog for class, especially with the possibility of anyone, anywhere reading about me.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and am glad that I was able to leave my comfort zone and try something different.  My husband and I had moved to northern Alaska for a year, and I attempted a blog for that experience.  Unfortunately, I was unable to keep up with the posts, and did not have very many followers.  I enjoy following several blogs, and I have a few friends that have been successful in their blogging attempts.  I enjoy reading their family stories and latest adventures.  Through this course, I felt as though I was following many of my classmates in their own journey in leadership and technology. 

            Technology is now an integral component of organizations and leadership today.  As our readings explained, the world is not perfectly flat, but we are moving closer to a flat world everyday (Friedman, 2007).  As members of an online degree program, we have first-hand experience with the flattening of the world.  Our courses allow us to interact with other students from all over the world, at all hours of the day and night.  Without technology, I would have had a much more difficult time earning my doctoral degree.  Online courses allow me to spend time with my small children while working a full-time job.  I cannot even imagine trying to carve out specific times to be in a classroom to earn my degree!  Jon Husband elaborates on the connections created online, utilizing the term wirearchy.  He explained, “wirearchy is about the power and effectiveness of people working together through connection and collaboration” (http://wirearchy.com/what-is-wirearchy/).  This statement explains how technology connects all of us.  We are able to collaborate and work together through various means of communication, all made possible by the latest advances in technology. 

            The Technology and Leadership course has demonstrated that technology is not always obvious.  Leaders must stay ahead of the emerging technology trends in order to find and utilize technologies that will be beneficial for the organization.  Each new technology has its benefits and its weaknesses.  As leaders, we must maximize the benefits of new technology while developing ways to minimize the weaknesses.  Gartner (2010) explained that technology connects us in many ways that were not possible before these innovations occurred.  Information is being shared almost immediately, whether through formal work groups or informal social networks.  Leaders must realize the transparency of their organization and work to utilize these groups to their advantage. 

            I have enjoyed reading my classmates’ research through their blogs on the latest technology and trends in education and other organizations.  Over the course of this term, I have utilized many new technologies that I had not even thought to use in my classroom and in collaboration with my colleagues.  Thank you to all of you for sharing your experiences!  Good luck on your future technology adventures!

Friedman, T. L. (2007).  The World is Flat.  New York: Picador. 

Gartner, Inc. (2010, August 4). Gartner says the world of work will witness 10 changes during the next 10 years. Retrieved from: http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/1416513

Husband, J. (2013, February 18). What is Wirearchy? [Beb log comment]. Retrieved from: http://wirearchy.com/what-is-wirearchy/

            

Future Technology and Leadership

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My mentor has given me great advice throughout my career.  She is constantly encouraging me to develop my skills and to stay current on the latest changes in technology and educational trends.   In order to stay current with technology, she encourages individuals to become presenters at conferences and seminars.  I have always pondered this advice, but have finally realized how much learning actually occurs while preparing for a major presentation.  I am helping to present at a symposium next week.  We will be teaching math teachers how to use a Smartpen in their classes.  While creating this presentation, I have gained an in-depth knowledge of this technology, but have also increased my awareness on other technologies available to me.  We are utilizing Dropbox to collaborate on the Symposium, a technology that I had not used previously.  Smartpens also have the capability to connect with many different programs, one of them being Evernote.  Wow!  I could not believe the complexity of this program.  I was amazed at the amount of information I learned just by researching for this presentation.  

For leaders, it is imperative to remain current on the latest technology trends.  In the field of education, technology is a critical component of various aspects of the school system.  Leaders must be aware of ways that technology can improve and enhance both the general operations of the school and classroom instruction.  It is important that leaders continually stay connected on trends in technology.  One method leaders should utilize is to create networks with other leaders in a similar field.  These networks provide a look at what other similar organizations are using, as well as methods to stay ahead of the competition.  Attendance at conferences and symposiums is a great way for leaders to become exposed to the latest technology advancements. 

As I reflect on my own technology experiences, I cannot help but look ahead at what changes will occur in technology.  I can clearly remember when smartphones were first released.  It was an exciting concept that would allow individuals to become connected through a device they always had with them.  Where will technology go from here?  Kevin Kelly (2011) explained that one of the major trends in technology would involve screening.  Basically, every surface has the potential to become a computer.   TV commercials, among other media outlets, have eluded to this concept.  I cannot imagine being more connected to my email and other communication than I already am with my smartphone.  Do I really want to be even more connected than I already am?  In the YouTube video, A Day Made of Glass, various surfaces are demonstrated.  One surface is the bathroom mirror, where the woman responds to a message from her boss.  Honestly, I do not want to be corresponding with people while I am brushing my teeth!  

Technology is constantly growing and changing, whether we like those changes or not.  As leaders, we must continue to wade through the many advancements in technology to determine what will be beneficial to our organization.  Many exciting changes are occurring, and it is important to stay current on these trends.  I am excited to see what technology will look like in the next ten years!

A Day Made of Glass, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qmwdbhsbVs&feature=youtu.be

Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick, Wired

Web 2.0 Expo SF 2011

http://www.web2expo.com/webexsf2011/public/schedule/detail/19292

Cyberbullying

            Adolescents have grown up in a world filled with ever-changing advances in technology.  As communication has become quick and instantaneous, children are more networked today than ever before.  The youth today now have access to text messaging, social networking, email, and many other forms of communication. 

            Bullying is not a new concept in schools, but technology has altered the actual act of bullying.  Kowalski, Limber, and Agatston (2012) defined bullying as, “aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength” (p. 18).  This imbalance may be based on differences in physical strength, social power, jealousy, or social status.  Bullying is usually not a one-time occurrence, but occurs repeatedly over time (Kowalski, Limber, & Agatston, 2012).  Technology has changed the form of bullying, and has taken it to a completely new level.  In the past, bullying occurred during recess, in school hallways, and in the lunchroom.  With the many different forms of communication created by technology, bullying can now happen anywhere and at anytime.  Students may be alone in their room, hanging out with friends, or on a family vacation, and still receive bullying messages.  Cyberbullying is different from traditional forms of bullying because it can occur twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year (www.stopbullying.gov). 

            Holladay (2011) described cyberbullying as, “ the repeated use of technology to harass, humiliate, or threaten” (p. 4).  The various forms of communication, present today due to technological advancements, allow users to post comments anonymously.  As Draa and Sydney (2009) explained their definition of online disinhibition as individuals being more likely to post comments online that they would never even consider speaking in a face-to-face conversation.  This disinhibition occurs because many perceive technology as a buffer, lessening the impact of the words or images being presented. 

Sheri Bauman, the University of Arizona’s director of the master’s degree program in counseling noted, “You can pass around a note to classmates making fun of a peer, and it stays in the room, but when you post that same note online, thousands can see it.  The whole world becomes witness and is invited to participate” (Holladay, 2011, p. 5).  If you conduct a YouTube search of “cyberbullying”, you will receive a long list of videos depicting several heartwrenching stories of victims of cyberbullying.  Their stories have gone viral, just as the bullying did that led them to a breaking point.

            The Internet offers various forms of free communication.  A single person can hold a large number of email accounts and be a member of multiple social network sites without cost.  These free sites give cyberbullies an avenue to communicate and attack a victim using multiple email addresses and identities (Kowalski, Robin, & Agatston, 2012). 

            When the term cyberbullying is used, the reader tends to picture the actions of adolescents.  Adults can be victims of cyberbullying, but the consequences for the bully are much more severe because it can be considered harassment (Kowalski, Robin, & Agatston, 2012).  Teachers, among other adults, can be the victims of cyberbullying by adolescents.  Students now have a way to act out against teachers in an anonymous and instantaneous way. 

            Both cyber bullying and traditional bullying can have varying effects on the victims.  Victims of both traditional bullying and cyberbullying reported feelings of “depression, low self-esteem, helplessness, social anxiety, reduced concentration, alienation, and suicidal ideation” (Kowalski, Limber, Agatston, 2012, p. 113).  We have all heard the stories of young people taking their lives after being the victims of cyberbullying.  Many of these individuals have experienced bullying of various forms.  Some bullying occurs for no apparent reason, in other instances, an adolescent makes a mistake, and it is available for the world to see.  Many young people do not realize that their actions online can be permanent.  A tragic example is that of Amanda Todd.  As a middle school student, Amanda enjoyed chatting online.  A man convinced her to flash him, and he in turn snapped a picture and transmitted that image through Facebook and other online media.  Amanda switched schools, created a YouTube video about her story, and eventually committed suicide as the bullying followed her everywhere (http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-amanda-todds-video-passes-13m-views/story?id=17548856#.Ua97zYWaw4A).  Amanda was bullied on the Internet, but she also had many encounters in her daily interactions with people. 

            It is extremely important for kids to be educated about the dangers of the Internet and on how they should conduct themselves.  Ohler (2012) explained, “We need to talk to children about how to live digital lifestyles that are informed, safe, and healthy” (p. 17).  As technology changes, children need to understand the importance of how they conduct themselves online.  The latest controversial program, Snapchat, allows users to take a photo, send it to others, and specify the amount of time the picture is viewable.  If the viewer takes a screenshot of the image, the picture-taker is notified (www.snapchat.com).  Unfortunately, not all young people are aware of the risks of taking explicit photos, or sexting.  Parents must educate their children on Snapchat, among many other programs, and help their children understand the importance of virtual responsibility.  One picture can cause massive amounts of cyberbullying and other reputation ruining events to occur.  Where should this education occur?  Should schools be responsible for educating students on the risks and responsibilities of technology?        

          I found the following Stone Soup comic in the paper today.  I thought that it was appropriate to the topic of conversation.  It seems that many young people do not even realize they are bullying someone, or at least underestimate the damage they are causing.  

http://www.gocomics.com/stonesoup/2013/06/05

               

References: 

Draa, V., & Sydney, T. D. (2009). Cyberbullying: Challenges and actions. Journal Of Family & Consumer Sciences, 101(4), 40-46.

Holladay, J. (2011). Cyberbullying. Education Digest, 76(5), 4-9.

Kowalski, R. M., Limber, S., Agatston, P. W,, ebrary, Inc. (2012). Cyberbullying: Bullying in the digital age. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Ohler, J. (2012). Digital citizenship means character education for the digital age. Education Digest, 77(8), 14-17.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-amanda-todds-video-passes-13m-views/story?id=17548856#.Ua97zYWaw4A

www.stopbullying.gov

www.snapchat.com

Networked Workers and Their Impact on Organizations

            Technology has forever changed the way organizations conduct their business.  Many operations have become less time-consuming and more efficient because of technological innovations.  Some jobs have been replaced by technology and others have been invented because of it.  Networked workers have become a major presence in the workforce today.  Madden and Jones (2008) described networked workers as those that are able to stay connected due to technology in the workplace. 

            Networked workers bring various opportunities to organizations.  First, networked workers are more able to collaborate not only with their own immediate colleagues, but also with colleagues from all over the world.  Friedman (2007) explained that the Internet has now made it where individuals from all over the world have the opportunity to present ideas and share knowledge.  Organizations can truly look for the best employees with the correct knowledge base, from anywhere in the world.  Networked workers are better able to use various tools in their collaboration efforts.  These individuals are more likely to carry around cell phones and other devices allowing them to check their email regularly (Madden and Jones, 2008).

            I am an online instructor, and I own a smartphone, which allows me to be available with my students.  Students that take online courses are doing so because they need the flexibility granted to them in the online learning environment.  Unfortunately, their flexibility causes me to work outside of normal “business hours”.  I would consider this part of my job requirements, as I too benefit from some of the flexibility granted in teaching online courses.  Madden and Jones (2008) found that over half of networked workers check their work-related emails on weekends.  This number does not surprise me.  I feel that it is important to keep personal time separate from work time, but these lines are blurring everyday. 

            With teaching online courses, I am constantly collaborating with people from many different locations.  I am learning the importance of many powerful collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Evernote, and Dropbox.  Even though my colleagues live within an hour of each other, it is great to be able to complete activities at home and to share those with each other virtually.  A colleague and I are working on a symposium this summer that covers how to utilize Smartpen technology into the classroom.  As we continue our research, we discover even more technology that we can utilize in our presentation and beyond.  Since it is summer and we both live in a different community, we utilize Dropbox to share ideas and to collaborate virtually. 

            Freely available Internet presents workers with a powerful tool everyday.  Workers are able to access virtually any information necessary.  The research component of certain jobs has become an efficient process with the help of the Internet.  As a college instructor, I am on the Internet regularly.  I am constantly researching ideas for my next lesson or looking at new technology that I may be able to implement in my classroom.  Without the Internet, it would take me much longer to develop these ideas. 

            While the Internet has helped with research, it can also have a negative effect on productivity.  Many workers utilize the Internet for personal reasons throughout the workday.  Madden and Jones (2008) found that while at work, 22% of workers did some online shopping, 54% of workers with personal email accounts check their account during work, and 28% of workers said they exchanged text messages with their friends and family during the workday.  I will be honest, with two small children; I have sent many text messages throughout the workday.  Do you think that the ability to text message and to complete other personal activities online is based on the job an employee holds?  While some of the activities being conducted are at a personal level, is this a way for workers to create networks with individuals outside of the organization that may be beneficial for the organization in the end? 

Friedman, T. L. (2007).  The World is Flat.  New York: Picador. 

Madden, M., & Jones, S. (2008, September 24). Networked Workers. Retrieved from Pew Internet & American Life Project: pewinternet.org