Skill Builder

February 22, 2010

Electronic Communication and Dynamical Principles

Tiny events create major disturbances. This principle of dynamical systems is played out every day in the complex workings of schools. As teachers become more technologically savvy, this principle is manifesting itself in new ways. Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, and texting communication has become common. They all can create tiny events that may cause major disturbances. In a recent highly contested school board election, results were reported on-line. Not long afterwards, a fast-paced buzz of concerns surfaced in the teachers' electronic community. Rumors were rampant, and fear was quickly created. By the time the staff came to school the next morning, there was so much tension that the principal was challenged to calm the staff's concern before they greeted children for the day. Surfacing truths and assumptions was important and difficult.

When communication occurs on-line, there is little paraphrasing and probing for specificity. Quick responses are the norm. Often, common civility that might occur in a fact-to-face interaction is lost. This same phenomenon is occurring in the communication among our students, often creating hurtful relationships because of one ill-considered text. This new style of communication is here to stay.

Reflection

How might schools be adaptive in responding to it? What kinds of agreements might we make as staff members to use the electronic media effectively rather than destructively? How can we become open to positive uses of technology by our students instead of trapped in old ways of thinking? This is an important topic for dialogue and discussion in our schools.

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