Weekly Thought

While new technology offers experiences and opportunities for distance learning and convenience for all, in the long run does it really pay off? I started thinking the other day about what projects I had due in class and what presentations I would have to do etc, basically preparing for the end of the semester. Since I was on my lunch hour, when my boss walked in and saw paper strung across my desk I explained that I was creating to do lists for my classes and figuring out how to make a certain presentation interesting and long enough…before she exits she informs me that the chief physician requested that I present back to residents and the physicians about where we are and how we have been doing according to the feedback I had received. Since I have never attended one of these meetings nor am I even acquainted with half of them, I just really hate speaking in front of large crowds. When I started to think about the argument made with technology and it lack of social skills instilled, the rebuttal is that programs such as Second Life where the student user an aviator to interact with peers…I can’t really say that is enough. I mean if I could send my aviator into a meeting of 100 (who will drill me with questions) I think I would feel much more comfortable. I almost think that until the workforce you are preparing students undergoes a similar transformation such as the new learning environments, I don’t think they fully prepare us for what can be ahead.