Technolandy

As with many educators, I find it appealing to consider a theme word for the upcoming year rather than a list of resolutions to break.

I considered curious (rather than judgemental) as I sought some wisdom of others about an idea I had, but wanting to be wary of being appreciative, not appropriative of a culture. It can be a fine line between those two words though the mindset is very different.

I thought about disruptor– being the voice for others who are not often seen at decision-making gatherings. For this, I consider a growing decision around not watching videos at lunch. Something I have done on the past for specific reasons. I had not considered, until a voice shared itself to me, another audience who appreciates the screen on because it distracts them so they can eat – ignoring the voices telling them not to eat and the paranoia that everyone is watching them eat.

I considered sharer as I continue to blog about things and books and all things (usually) educational.

I am mindful of being a communicator as I explore other ways to share thoughts – currently on a #blackexcellencemonth theme on insta, x, TikTok, bluespace et al.

Knowing agitator seems best as I reflect on some of my blogs – including a recent big one considering maybe we should note that the social media fad of books might just finally be coming to an end https://technolandy.com/2024/12/09/day-67-of-2024-25-maybe-this-reading-words-fad-has-run-its-course-to-read-or-not-to-read-op-ed-for-theatlantic-and-edutopia-to-consider/ and knowing I have another on math and a re-edit on one about clocks that is likewise a tad close to A Modest Proposal.

Hmmm, maybe that’s where I look for the oneword. Agitator has a lot of negative connotations ~ and I know I can be a pain to have in a district (or pln) at times… but it’s because I know the future of education needs to not be ‘more of the same’ (looking at all the people mounting screens and projectors in a way that creates ‘a front’ of a room) but under the veil of satire and sarcasm… though Swift saw himself as a misanthrope – another ‘not great in education’ word… how could i steampunk the agitator mindset…

Oof – online help isn’t great:

Strongest matches

• anarchist
• demagogue
• firebrand
• malcontent
• propagandist
• protestor
• radical
• troublemaker
• zealot

Strong matches

• dissident
• dogmatist
• fighter
• fomenter
• incendiary
• inciter
• instigator
• mover
• partisan
• provocateur
• rabble-rouser
• rebel
• revisionist
• revolutionary
• ringleader

Weak matches

• disrupter
• sparkplug
• wave maker

Hmmm another look at SWIFT has the New York Times calling him ‘a figure of contradiction and intellectual courage’ and I do call out my own hypocrisy somewhat regularly…

Ah ha. I should’ve looked more closely to everything around me… there is a word in the air ~ connected to the NFLs Black Monday… my 2025 oneword has come to me… small enough it fits in your pocket, but as powerful for good and ill as any other. We often give it away as a nuisance, to others hoping you have some to spare… but even though it lies in front of you, you might not be willing to bend to pick it up…

The answer is of course: ____________ <— to be confirmed later!