Learning in a New Media Environment

What does this TED video mean to me as a person, a parent, an educator, and a leader?

A few of the quotes that stood out form this presentation were, "There is no opting out of new technologies," and, "Media are not just tools.  They mediate relationships."

The first quote struck me as important as a parent, educator, leader, and life-long learner as a call to immerse myself in new forms of media and other technologies because they are going to be the single most important tool people (including my children) use for the foreseeable future.  The transformation from books, lectures, and papers is occurring right now.  Some can't see the change as they are not an active part in it, but in five years, people will look back and realize that this was the time.  We need to set aside fears of what could happen and learn what is possible.  I took a big personal step with this process this past week when I put the picture of my family as my identification with Twitter, Google, and Edmodo.  While being a private person, I realized I needed to put myself out there in order to embrace the benefits social media can offer.

The second quote caught my attention because it connected with both of the Pink books that I recently read.  As right-brained jobs move to the forefront, relationships are becoming more important because they carry more weight than certain skills that can be googled.  What will be realized with the next generation is that relationships are a currency that must be constantly checked, similar to a savings account, and will be a large part of one's personal portfolio.  When it is all said and done, will you be a 30 second media clip, an 'internet sensation' of the week, or will you leave an impact on people that made them happier and more driven to be better to others due to the example you set?  And while this transformation can be strange to the people at the forefront, we have the dual responsibility to teach our children the right way, before they go and find the wrong way by themselves.

Gary
10-5-2012