Thoughts By Jen

In the last few weeks I have attended conferences all over the USA……CA, PA, FL, MO……and also have wandered back into some PLN networks which I had left for a bit.

And one of my wonderments today is “Who do you listen to as an authority and why?”

There are certain people, which I respect, that when they say something in regards to Education, I listen and usually I will respond and then pass that information on to others as trusted information.

These people, to me, have earned the right to be heard for a few reasons:
a.  They have had longevity.  Meaning, they did not just appear 3 weeks ago and start sharing their insights.  I have read these people, talked with these people, and watched these people to see that they have a consistent message; yes, at times it evolves as they evolve, but the foundation of their concepts and knowledge is strong.
b.  These people would NEVER label themselves as experts but as learners.  When they are sharing, I don’t believe that they have a true knowledge of just how impactful their message is.  They would never ever say “THIS IS THE ONLY WAY….but often they say “This has worked for me, what has worked for you.”

So, as I am journeying back into the PLN fold, I am intrigued to see new faces and hear new voices that suddenly people are labeling as “authority” and being quick to @ or quote or just wish to rub shoulders with.

And I wonder, a few things.
a.  Am I being too skeptical because I stay wary because I want to know more before I put my “stamp of acceptance” on someone.
b.  What gives them the momentum?  Is it self-driven or does their charisma invite others to forge their path for them?

As I look at my title, I must admit that EVERYONE has the right to be heard………but I don’t believe that EVERYONE has the right to be considered an expert or an authority.

SO…..my final main wonderment of today is  — how do some people seem to hit the bulls eye of acceptance of knowledge and expertise so quickly?

It perplexes me.

Jen

ADD ON:
After I posted this blogpost, I reread my previous blogpost “And The People Who….” and realized that they could be seen as being contradictory….which is fine, I am always learning and evaluating.  In my quest to try to figure this all out, I am stepping back, reading new posts, meeting new names, enjoying new ideas, and see new thoughts. From those recent observations, came this post:

I think the “dating” season of twitter, plurk, “our network”, and blog love is slowly coming to a close and frankly, I believe that that is a good thing.

I also am seeing that the “name game impress” is fading as well and some people are starting to become genuine, honest, and more open than just “ahhh, I agree”, and “yes, that is a good point that you make.”

And again, I see that as a good thing.

** Recently, I have seen people become more brave  to take a chance to disagree with someone (in a professional manner) and have seen both sides of the conversation emerge where we all learn.

** Recently, I have seen people call out people to prove what they have posted on their blogs and not just take their statistics as absolutes, nor accepting their “and so and so said” or their sources just because it appeared on their blog.

** Recently, I have seen people begin to step away from listening to just a few authorities as the end all, and realize that in fact, there are a lot of names that are authorities as well………and in that, perhaps finding out that they just might be an authority too.

I equate what I am seeing as a demonstration of  “DISCERNMENT” — which is a good thing.  And I applaud that what I am also observing is the walk away from “HERO WORSHIP” — which is a VERY GOOD THING!

Finally, what I believe is happening within our network is perhaps a glimpse of  maturity……which is very necessary.

I do admit that it is okay to agree and disagree.   However, I feel it is important to do so in a professional manner. At times I am taken aback by the lack of common courtesy I see displayed by members of the EdTech community.   I feel very strongly that if you have a MAJOR disagreement with someone, you take it to a DM first, or email before you totally blast them on twitter or plurk or a chat room.  If you have a disagreement with a blog post, I also believe you should ask for clarification before you tear apart everything they might have said.

But all in all, I feel that our network is starting to show true colors by taking the chance to perhaps disagree with someone (or someones) and even taking the chance to stand alone, if necessary.

I am seeing a major shift occurring….and am wondering, could you be seeing this as well?
Jen