The rising use of technology among college students can challenge
leaders to accomplish their goals. The following "ten thoughts",
which address some of these challenges, were originally presented to
a group of undergraduate student leaders. They generated some
interesting discussion.
Leaders provide order in chaos, but... Technology is
always changing
A good leader is knowledgeable of the positive AND negative
aspects of technology, and tolerates the ambiguity that is
inherent in it. For example, a chatroom can bring students
together from many campuses but can also serve as a means for some
students to isolate themselves from others.
Leaders set effective goals, but... Technology's future is
unclear.
A good strategy is to determine goals first, use technology
second. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you
should. Occasionally, the choice to "go high tech" seems like a
good idea at the time, but later, seems less so, especially since
technology is not always cheap.
Leaders utilize others' competencies, but.... Technology has
challenged us to develop new competencies and reevaluate old
ones.
An organization usually has many leadership positions. In light
of emerging technology, it may be time to create some new ones,
such as IT specialist, group web-manager, etc. Not only will such
a strategy improve the functioning of the group or organization,
it can pull-in other types of students, who have not been seen as
leaders traditionally.
Leaders are experts in communication, but... Technology both
limits and enhances communication
When a choice is available, always go the personal route. Why
set-up a chatroom if all the involved students are local? A leader
should weigh the pros and cons of these types of asynchronous
conversations, and remember that developing interpersonal skills
is a normal task for college students. On the hand, leaders should
take advantage of technology that enhances communication, such as
listservs, which can reach hundreds of students in an
instance.
Leaders get and give effective feedback, but... Technology
allows leaders to hide behind a screen.
You can't be a leader if you are in front of your computer
screen instead of your members. Get away from your computer, or
get a laptop. Besides leading by example, you may purposefully
want to find ways to get between your members and their computer
screens.
Leaders motivate others to get involved, but... Technology
competes for students' attention.
Programs and events must be clear on their value-added
component. Its probably fair to say that many students "don't know
what they are missing" and it is incumbent on leaders to show
them. Serving your membership may require more needs assessment
and a rethinking of the organization's goals, however. You should
begin asking yourself "how is coming to this program or activity
better than sitting in a room and playing Quake?"
Leaders are good time managers, but... Using technology is a
new learning task that dominates our time.
For now, allow MORE time for the technological solutions to
common problems. A good rule-of-thumb is "twice as much as you'd
think". Some technologies have steep learning curves and demand
ongoing attention (e.g., an interactive website). An exchange of
10 email messages may solve a problem that would have taken just a
few minutes on the phone. On the other hand, the Internet is
24/7/365 and provides the opportunity to accomplish tasks outside
of the 8 to 5 work schedule.
Leaders work toward integration, but... Technology allows for
participation across the planet, but what is lost and what is
gained?
Don't confuse sharing information with using it.
Besides the work involved in it, does your organization really
need a web presence to function? The Internet is becoming
"littered" with untended websites, countless dead links and many
sites designed specifically to misinform. Conversely, the
Internet's ability to link your group with similar ones is a
wonderful thing, especially if your group has some very focused
goals for a rather small student group. It is important to
remember that the Internet is a public place, and you should never
assume that something is secure (especially e-mail).
Leaders should be the moral compass for groups, but...
Technology has blurred some distinctions between what's right and
wrong.
Many institutions have been caught in the discourse about
websites such as Napster. Some people seem to want to have two
sets of rules, one for the cold reality of the analog world and
another for the magical digital world. It may take many years to
establish an equilibrium. In the meantime, be clear and consistent
about expectations, after you've given full consideration to the
implications. Choose your battles, but be prepared to say "let's
wait and see".
Leaders appreciate differences, but... Technology threatens to
marginalize others
As for any program goal, a leader should always ask "who gets
excluded by this approach?" There is a misperception among many
students that technology is naturally bias-free: "no one knows who
you are in cyberspace". The research suggests otherwise.
Furthermore, individuals from some backgrounds do not "buy into"
or choose to participate in the emerging technology culture, as
should be their choice. Be careful when a technological solution
becomes the only solution.
