Where's the Loop? I Need To Get In!

Technology is wonderful. Instantaneous communication. Cell phones, IM, e-mail, etc. The school district where I work relies on their e-mail system to disseminate information to all staff. The campus I work on relies on e-mail to inform staff of important meetings, deadlines, etc. I'm sure they do this to save paper and to communicate faster and more efficiently. I imagine another reason is to keep from having to interrupt classes by constantly making announcements. So I have one question. How come I never know what's going on?

Invariably, one of two things will happen. One thing is that I'll hear through the grapevine about a change or some other important event. I'm often told to check my e-mail later for details. I make a point to do something I generally do not do. I check the e-mail during class time - Nothing. I check again later - Still nothing. Time to go home so I check again - Still no message. Some time later I get an e-mail. This, of course, is after I've received the information from others that apparently are in the loop that I'm not in.

The other instance that occurs is when I'm late for an important meeting or I miss an important deadline. Then I'm asked, "Didn't you check your e-mail? We sent one earlier!" I reply, "No! I teach. I can't check my e-mail because I'm teaching. I check after the kids have gone home." By then it is often too late.

But remember, the district did save paper. Oh, and they did communicate faster and efficiently. I guess I need to find that loop. And just maybe check my e-mail instead of teach all of the time.

© 2008 Barry T Horst


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