Who knew a kidney stone would be an aspect of technology I would be introduced to during this class?! The x-rays and CT scan, in addition to lithotripsy are just a few of the technologies I have seen in the past couple of weeks. While I have no fascination with medicine or things that God never intended for us to see (inside ourselves), the technology was awesome. The pinpoint accuracy in locating something as small as a 5 mm stone deep inside the body is absolutely amazing. Add that to the fact that the lithotripsy broke the stone (after 300 hits)....wow! This is one of the advantages of technology but it can also be a part of the detriment as well.

After watching the video about TJMaxx, I am a bit skeptical about using the debit card and when I think about the times the card was scanned more than once, I begin to have trouble trusting the use of the card. Maybe 'Big Brother' is watching but what is he doing with the information? It makes me think of the Aflac commercial that has Yogi Berra saying "they pay you in cash which is just as good as money". How do consumers know when the companies from which we make purchases, have spent the money and time to employ the best encryption methods so that our information is safe? What safety measures are in place so that when employees who have access leave the company, the information stays out of the hands of others?

It seems to be a lot like relationships with others...at what point do we begin to trust? How much do we share in case the relationship doesn't work out? Being aware of the people or companies with which we share information, and their track records, not providing information such as social security numbers and checking credit reports frequently, would be a good place to start.

The technology we have learned about in this class has been enlightening (not to mention fun) and as leaders, it is important that we know how to keep information safe, what steps need to be taken to ensure medical records are kept for diagnosis and treatment, shopping records should be kept for supplying merchandise, bank records are kept for paying bills and making purchases, and other information kept for the purposes for which they are intended. Everything in life comes with an element of risk and possibly surprise but knowledge is power.

The technology I have worked with in this class has been great! I am a bit more adventureous and want to see "what happens if I do this..." It has been amazing that the computer is still working and doing what I ask it to do! I think the most fun I have had with a new skill was working with the 5th graders and making their movies! At the 5th grade recognition (graduation) several students mentioned their movie. Who knows, I may perfect movie making in time to make a movie of my daughter's wedding....NOT!

Technology worries and excitement

I see now what I did that wasn't exactly right so I am posting it again now.

Are we working ourselves out of a job? I sure hope not but who would have known 10 years ago that we would have a method of talking to each other like the Jetsons?! I am still fascinated with Skype and seeing the person with whom I am talking (and that has been very helpful lately). I am excited that I figured out how to use it! :)

After proctoring the EOGs this year, I went to the county office to have the tests scored. What used to take teachers days to grade, took a matter of minutes and the results were carried back to the the school the same day. The kids and parents knew the scores almost instantly compared to years passed.

The more attention I pay to my surroundings and the types of technology that are being used that were just 'gleams in the eye' of the creators years ago, I am amazed and impressed. To have the knowldge, skill and understanding of how to develop or just use it all would be awesome. (I am working on it! :)

While all of this is great, like some of the other posts, I worry about storage, availability and misuse of information. I suppose there is some element of we can't prepare for what we don't know is possible but fear of the unknown is hard to deal with.

Oh well, If we worry about every possibility, we might miss the advantages that are offered to us and that would be a shame.

Welcome to my blog! Isn't technology great?!

I have taken the wise words of my professor and am being more 'brave' in trying out new applications and programs using the technology to which I have access. I am so excited that I was able to not only get this blog going but was also able to put a picture of one of my puppies on it.

In looking at the idea of leadership, being 'brave' is a value that is incorporated. Taking a new or innovative approach, being willing to step outside one's comfort zone, and encouraging others to do the same provides opportunities for growth, everyone's growth.

I am looking forward to maintaining this blog, and hearing from others who are working toward the goal of official leadership.