In my last post, I was saying that I didn’t think my faculty colleagues would use an electronic communication system that required them to go to the information. I suppose I was referring to the difference between what I’ve heard referred to as push vs. pull technology. I was also probably projecting my own concerns onto my colleagues; maybe they would embrace a Google Space.
I say that because I realized tonight that all of this social network stuff that David Warlick wrote about today and that Britt Watwood picked up on works wonderfully for me because I crave information and I can’t stop learning. Furthermore, I can’t get new information and learn new things quickly enough (am I a learning addict?). So, I’ve built my network. Enter RSS (thanks, Britt, for pointing that out to me). Enter Twitter (and particularly Twitterfeed and the Apple equivalent (name escapes me)). Enter not just Bloglines, but Bloglines Notifier. Enter Gmail and Gmail Notifier (I also use Lotus Notes for my work e-mail which has a notification feature). All of this notification technology feeds (pun intended) my demand (addiction?).
It’s immediate notification! I love it.
Two peas in the same pod! Still trying to remember what life was like before RSS….
Britt Watwood
April 24th, 2008
I think the divide is going to shift to be “people who crave information” and “people who don’t”. It’s not quite native/immigrant, but eventually the groups will be almost identical because all the immigrants who crave information will become natives.
Dave
April 24th, 2008
How long before we have people going to hospitals for information addiction? I can see it now, “Put down the Blackberry and keep your hands away from the keyboard.”
wmchamberlain
April 24th, 2008
My wife thinks I am addicted and I don’t do nearly as much stuff as you do Jon. I am purposefully avoiding Twitter … as that just seems a little too connected for my tastes.
I am going back to Southern Illinois this weekend to visit my family and they are connected, but just barely. Their primary source of information is still KMOX radio out of Saint Louis. It is such a different lifestyle. It is amazing how much has changed in so short a time.
Justin B.
April 24th, 2008
Mr. Chamberlain, I may be fitted for a straightjacket soon. Your comment had me laughing out loud. And, having checked out your class blog, I’m smiling ear to ear; it’s great to see educators who really get the power of integrating technology.
Jon Becker
April 25th, 2008
Thanks for your kind words.
Bill
WmChamberlain
April 25th, 2008