Educational Discourse

As we continue to explore how technology will/can play a greater role in what we do, one of the things that needs to be addressed is the how we make people, students and adults, responsible for what they are saying.  As an administrator, I’ve learned that people will say things about you or comment on what you do and some of it won’t be done in a very nice way. Today, on my school blog, I received my first comment. Very first. I only publicize it in our newsletter and have homework on it.  Now, from my reaction, you can guess that it wasn’t necessarily positive and it used a bit of profanity. However, like I posted in my post on LeaderTalk, I know that even these comments have nuggets that I need to mine and use to become a better leader and person.

This doesn’t make it easy sometimes. All the positive talk and self-assurance sometimes doesn’t negate that fact that there are times that one just becomes tired of the negativity, especially when someone doesn’t even have the courage to sign their name. That, I think, is what bothers me the most. As the web2.0 tools become more and more accessible, we’re seeing the idea of personal integrity becoming weaker and weaker. Before, a person  had to at least carve it in a stall wall or find a black permanent marker and do some planning so not to be caught. Now, they can do this from the comfort of their rooms, listening to their favourite music and having a snack. Trash talk on websites has become more acceptable.
I mean, technorati uses a common acronym (WTF) for a link!

CoolCatTeacher was included in a conversation about educators who blogged anonymously in a newspaper article. In that same article, an anonymous educator even argued in favour of such behaviour as a supposed way to expose the problems in the system without reprisal. Why would you not want to stand by what you say. I’ve never understood that whole line, unless, of course, you’re testifying against the mob!  If, however, you are just sounding off about your own agenda and rants, then, yes, you might end up in a bit of trouble, which you should. It all comes down to accountability. The less we want to be accountable, the more we can rationalize being anonymous or using an alias.

Back to the comment. Maybe not all administrators will react the same way. I would rather deal with the issue than get mad. I’d rather try to find a solution than know that there is someone running around, really unhappy, probably saying things that are negative about the school and me, and not being able to do a thing about it. I might not be able to find a solution or solve the problem but, this way, I can’t do anything. Yes, I understand that the person is fearing a reprimand or reprisal for what they say but they need to understand that this type of rant doesn’t help the situation, but makes it more difficult and creates an even greater barrier to hurdle. Anonymous rants or letters to the editor get the same treatment – no air time.

Web2.0 has given us the power of voice like we’ve never had before! Without integrity, however,  being heard will be about the same as shouting over the crashing of waves on breakers. Or, as my grandfather use to say, everyone has an opinion but to be noticed you have to do more than be a gong making noise. Given that the noise from the web is growing, people, especially students, will need to develop a voice that isn’t just more noise among the cacophony. There will be no room for those who won’t stand behind what they say. There’s no time.
The way I figure it, if at least there is a name, I have an idea who is upset and mad and maybe, in a bit of time, I might be able to approach the person and we can begin to bring things to a positive conclusion, heal the breach and build a positive.

Sigh – it’s been one of those weeks!