Today I had to ask for help using technology. I know, I’m supposed to be embarrassed, I am the expert at my school on using technology, but really there are things I don’t know how to do. I don’t know how to use a fax machine. They were never a technology I considered useful, and in today’s world of email, I consider them somewhat archaic.
In any case, I had to send a fax today because it was the only way I could send this particular piece of information to a government ministry, don’t get me started on that. I went to the front office and asked our really wonderful administrative assistant if she could help me. Her jaw dropped, and the jaw of a colleague who was standing nearby dropped as well. "You don’t know how to use a fax machine? But you’re like Mr. Technology! You should know this!"
My colleague patiently showed me how to send a fax, a skill I’m sure I’ll promptly forget. It looks pretty easy but given that I have to send about 1 fax every year, it’s not a skill I get to practice often and I’ll probably have to ask again next year. When my colleague finished showing me how to use our school’s photocopier, which I discovered doubles as a fax machine, I was happy and thanked her. She did a fist-pump, exclaimed, "Yes! I showed Mr. Wees something with technology," and then went on to give the administrative assistant a high-five. They were both excited that they got to show me something.
Now keep in mind, these are grown adults, and their reaction might not be the same as your students’ reaction, but let me ask the question: How do you think your kids would react if they got to teach you something? Do you think that they would remember that experience? Would it be worth not looking like the expert for a couple of minutes?
Jason Bedell says:
I really hate those stupid machines. There is no reason any institution anywhere should not accept a scanned and emailed copy. Twice a year, on average, I have to go to the office to send a fax. Every time, I end up wanting to curse at the machine after it doesn’t send 10 times, then one of the nice office staff walks me through it, which I somehow always forget how to do before the next time. Anyway, more on topic, I love getting the kids to teach. It gives them a sense of ownership and pride to be an expert, We should all spend more time getting to know our students and finding out what they are expert in.
June 21, 2010 — 10:07 pm
David Wees says:
I didn’t think my experience was an uncommon one, but it is gratifying to know that someone else has had my experience with fax machines.
I also agree that you need time to get to know your kids and find out what they can share. I’m not sure that our curriculum/content dense classes allow us the time to do this which to me is a huge tragedy of the current education system.
June 21, 2010 — 10:11 pm
Yas says:
Can’t believe that they still sell those things! My library clerk uses it–I’ve tried showing her how to scan and send–old habits die hard I suppose…
June 24, 2010 — 1:32 am
carlos vasques says:
my name is Carlos i have a FAX Machine.i do not no how to use it i have a brother intellifax 775 can you please help me and give me your telephon number
April 10, 2012 — 1:47 pm
David Wees says:
I’d love to help you but… I don’t really know how to use a fax machine either.
April 10, 2012 — 6:03 pm