Technologically Stunted

For most of my life, technology has never been an issue.  I grew up in a household where both parents were familiar with computers, internet, databases, and much more.  This was definitely not the case for most of my friends growing up in a blue, on the verge of turning white collar town.  Technology has never scared me nor deterred me.  It was another gadget and another skill to learn.  So today when I looked around a room of student affairs professionals and graduate students, I was surprised to see many who were not "on board." This is NOT okay. 

When I look around this campus I see iPods, iPhones, iPads, laptops, Blackberries, Androids, and other electronic devices that are working to keep the students connected to anyone and everyone.  So when I see an administrator or professional rejecting the technology our students are using to connect, I see them rejecting our students.  We set up these beautifully ideal task forces and brainstorming groups to come up with ways to connect, but do the powers that be embrace what they have to say?  Today Eric Stoller spoke about the Dean of Students at Boston University.  He is an administrator and a peer.  The Dean of Students has students following him and is connected to their lives and the life of the school.   Isn't that what we all want?  We want to be treated as equals and as peers and have a connection.  So why do we shut down and shut out our students? Why do we refuse their friendship request on Facebook or follower request on Twitter?  We are stunting the growth of our programming and our communities by communicating to our students they are not worthy of getting to know us. 

As a resident assistant and now supervisor of a tele-counseling program, I did not allow my students to be friends with me on Facebook or Twitter.  I thought it somehow diminished my authority.  It was not until today I realized my authority is not based upon my friendship status, but rather the way I interact and hold myself with these PEERS.  They have good reason to want to get to know me.  I should also want to get to know them.  My supervisory relationship will not be destroyed if I get to know my students on a deeper level, it will  be strengthened. 

My goal for the remainder of my year as an SAGrad, I want to focus on not rejecting technology, but using it as my ally.  I want to have conversations with those people who can influence the technology on campus.  I want to speak intelligently about the needs of our students and our department.  I want to take what I have learned today and use it. 



I refuse to remain technologically stunted because some feel it is ruining me as a professional.  I will use this power for good.