Confusing New for Good

As we all know, the power of the web is constantly shifting and changing. What has made it so powerful? Is it the new gadgets? The new themes? The possibility of an easier, more accessible life? As we think about all these layers, perhaps one of the most important aspects of the power of the internet comes from so many people confusing new for good. I find that as soon as a new technology is introduced, so many of us blindly follow the new thing without taking a step back to look at whether the next new thing is actually any good.


Case in point, I recently learned about a new site called blip.fm. It was perfect timing. The very next day, I was working with my students on their Connected World project as they researched music from their region in the world. We had spent previous class time researching classic and popular artists from their region, and it was the perfect way to integrate their research with modern day technology. I immediately introduced approximately 40 students to blip.fm, and each one of my students became DJ's for their specific region. They invited me to become their friend, and now I can listen to their music selections from all over the world. They have shared their information with everyone else that is studying the same region, and the project is almost complete.

In retrospect, I wish I had given it more time. Some students were completely frustrated by the process and the internet was incredibly slow the day of the introduction. The students are unable to upload the songs to their iPod or onto a MP3 file. I wish I had spent at least one more day having the students research music in their region before setting them lose on blip.fm. I have students that currently believe Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 are from South America. Even with the appropriate amount of research under their belts, some of my best students could not find the artist or song they were looking for because blip.fm is still evolving. At this moment, numerous songs do not exist on the site, or a song may exist today and be gone tomorrow due to licensing issues.


The problem is not the site at all. I am quite sure it will succeed and continue to expand in ways I can't even imagine. Blip.fm is currently doubling their number of DJ's every ten weeks. With that kind of growth, the site will mature and all the little glitches will fade over time. The problem was a user interface situation. I jumped before I knew how deep the water really was going to be. I was so excited about introducing something new, I neglected to really see if the site would be good for our project. As a teacher, student, parent, and individual, I know I leap before I look. I love and embrace the excitement that goes hand in hand with new things. I want to try any and every thing because I now all too well that our time is too short. How can I expect my students to be any better in their decision making? They have even less barriers in their way before they leap.

My concern lies in whether we are confusing new facets of education for good ones. My father-in-law's house is filled to the rim with antiques. There is a lot of value in his treasures that others have discarded because they were old. As an educator, I have to make sure I walk the fine line between embracing the newness of technology in education and yet hold on to the treasures my predecessors have developed and proven stand the test of time. Hopefully the world of academia will do the same.