This course is really great for me as I have two loves, teaching & technology. And I am so grateful that in my current position, as Health Information Management Technician (Health Centre) I am able to use both my teaching and technology skills!
I have been teaching the staff about video conferencing, multipoint, webcasting, etc. I got them excited about the possibilities about collaborating with other FN communities using tele-methods. I have done a brief introduction to the Business Team Board (similar to the Smart Board – except it lacks all the functions of Smart Board) and I am helping the staff understand how this tool fits in their work environment.
I must say that introducing Video-conferencing to a staff of 70 people was a big challenge. Many who do not hold management or coordinator positions were reluctant to come to the training. They could not see the benefit of Video Conferencing and asked themselves “Why do I have to go to this training?” As the many reluctant staff people rolled in to my 2 hour Video Conference sessions (Which were scheduled across a 2 month period) they rolled out of class with amazement and converts to Videoconferencing. I especially remember an elderly woman who attended the session fully believing that she was only here because it was mandated from “The Boss” and was not going to gain anything out of this. She walked out saying ~ “Wow, I can’t believe all the benefits and capabilities of video conferencing, I can’t believe that now I will be capable of doing training sessions & workshops with other FN communities from her in Big Cove. She explained to me how amazed she was when we called IT support in Boston, Mass, that he felt like he was right there. She had shared how she does not like to travel far from her community and how communities like Eskasoni had asked her to come to Sydney, NS to teach them how to make Indian Medicines, she had always declined due to the distance of this community. She was so happy and amazed that now this new technology had opened the door to all 35 FN communities in Atlantic Canada, and better yet to the world!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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Hay Heid, that is really cool. You know I always think this techonology stuff is SO techy, and only used for the sake of being techy haha. But I too think its really cool that something like sharing indian medicines (that is so very important) can be done clear across the world through video confrencing. Its like I didnt realize, that techy things could actually benefit people in so many ways...its benefitting by helping people understand their Aboriginal roots of understanding their medicines, and also helping them with whatever health problem they are currently having.
The elderly lady, could very well teach and share with people through video confrencing, about Indian Medicines, and not have to exhaust herself doing so.
Really cool, thanks for enlightening me Heid!
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