And so, Library Scientists, once more into the breach.
“We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there.” I just quoted a lyric from the theme to Smokey & the Bandit. That’s sad. But it’s true. Usually we have 17 weeks to introduce this stuff. I applaud & admire you guys for cramming 17 weeks worth of Stuff into a paltry 10 weeks. Rather, I applaud your willingness to do so . You haven’t done it yet.
DO YOU MISS FACE-2-FACE CLASS ROOMS AS MUCH AS I DO? WHERE ARE THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS? TELL-TALE TONES OF VOICE? THE SCENT OF PATCHOULI OIL? OK, SOME THINGS WE COULD DO WITHOUT.
We’ve got 14 management principles to cover. That sounds like a lot, but many of them overlap, as ye shall surely see. But there are subtle nuances. Pay particular attention to the nuances. Not just in this course, but always.
We have but one mandatory Collaborate session, and that’s not going to come until later in the semester. We may, however, get together informally just to hear each others’ voices. Isn’t it strange that, in a university course, we need to go out of our way to hear each others’ voices? I think that’s strange.
THE TERRIFYING RESULTS OF ONLINE FRUSTRATION.
Here’s hoping we all get along. That’s important to me, believing as I do that you have to like each other to learn from each other. That’s simple enough. But it doesn’t always happen, as we know. So many miscommunications happen between these keys and our emotions & brains. Having pointed that out, I say here & now that when I mean something to be funny, I will use an ASCII smiley :o) . I will not do this always, because we’re all adults and, well, that gets tiresome. But I will do it when necessary. My sense of humor is decidedly dry; even in F-2-F situations, they can’t be sure.
SHE FINALLY FOUND IT. IT WAS ON AN END CAP. OF COURSE IT WAS!
It happened to me just today, in a bookstore. The bookseller had spent about five minutes taking us all over the floor plan trying to locate one copy of a brand-new book and, for reasons inexplicable, says to me: “How many copies do you need, sir?” Since she hadn’t found one yet, what comes out of my mouth was “Fifteen, if you got’em.” My companion, who is walking behind me, laughs softly. Says the bookseller: “OH!” Meaning “What am I gonna do NOW?” I quickly assure her that only one is required, as the intended recipient of the book has yet to master the technique of reading in stereo. Relieved, the bookseller says, “OH! You said that so seriously I thought you really needed 15!” Says I: “I’m good at that, huh?” My companion laughs softly.
Frustration over miscommunication causes more harm than the threat of nuclear disarmament. :o)
To all you people I haven’t seen, heard, or spoken to yet: welcome to the course. Well, there is one I met, and recently. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of one students’ company. If you’re interested, the post is here.
This kind of thing COULD get you an “A.”
Before August 7th rolls around, I hope that I’ve sufficiently enlightened & antagonized you to the point that you’re not sure if you just hate me a little or you’re certain you despise me with all of your heart. I have this effect on people. Why should you be an exception? And the thing is, I don’t even have to try! It’s the DNA.
CAN’T YOU SEE I’M TRYING TO MANIPULATE YOUR EMOTIONS?
But I do sincerely want you to learn. So do your work, share ideas, and discern the difference between fact, opinion, and starry-eyed student idealism, and all may yet be well. I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning a little about you. Thank you for the opportunity. And now I can’t get that Smokey & the Bandit song outta my head.