I just came out of a meeting where the various deans at the School of Law met with directors of some of our major centers (Global Law, High Tech, and Social Justice) to talk about how the centers and the school might work better together. It was a lively discussion, with contributions from just about everyone.
I did not say a word.
Why? Well…because, when it comes to technology, it is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Just about anything that anyone wants to do – connect with alumni, improve the learning experience, etc – can use technology. And when I say technology, my job is to make sure that we’re doing technology the “right way.” Not just throwing it out there, not just spend ing money on something that we think will work. But putting a solution together that adds the most value. That is compelling. I define “technology” very broadly, from whiteboards to computers to smart boards to walls to…you get the idea. Instructional technology, servers, e-mail, collaboration tools. Technology, and my department’s area of jurisdiction, if you will, is very broad.
So, unless I am raising my hand for every sentence, I keep my mouth shut the whole time.
Weird experience.
ps – if I had felt technology was ignored or undervalued by any of the people in the room, that’s a different story. But I think my colleagues all have a good understanding of what my department does, and where I do and do not fit in. Just to be clear.