Jan & Zorro

By Jan Kempster

I met with a group of faculty members last week to preview an eportfolio platform called Digication. I love the platform and see all kinds of wonderful uses for it in higher education.  However, while many of the people in the group liked the platform, several were concerned about having yet another reason to spend time online.  As I left the meeting, I thought, yes, I understand that struggle.

 The rise of technology in business and education over the past twenty years creates a dilemma for me.  While I love learning and exploring what is available online, I realize I am often neglecting my ‘offline’ self as I dive deeper into the layers of online  information, as I teach and create online courses, and as I respond to emails.  My generation did not grow up with cell phones and the Internet, so I do recall a time without them. 

I recall writing in my journal in the morning instead of checking email.  I recall reading a good book in the evening instead of conducting research on the Internet or participating in Skype calls.  I recall coming home from a day at work and not bringing virtual tasks home with me.  And, I’m reminded of overindulging my online self each time my dog jumps up on the couch next to me and places his chin on my keyboard.

I suspect I’m not the only person struggling with her online and offline self.  So, how do we cope?  Virtual learning is here to stay, and I am an avid fan who has no desire to disconnect.  The flexibility, effectiveness, and usefulness of online learning and marketing are too valuable to overlook for those in business and education. So, for me it is about finding balance.  It is about knowing when to hit the ‘off’ button and take the dog for a walk.  What is it about for you?

  Jan Kempster’s Eportfolio (still a work in progress)