Learning and education are not the same. It is possible to achieve one without the other. In fact, too many times we let our education get in the way of learning. Even one of the smartest men of the 20th century even understood this concept.
“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” – Albert Einstein
For those of us in church tech, this can become a big problem.
We can fall into the trap of leaning on our education (degrees, certifications, achievements, etc) and what we “know” and cease learning. This may really show up when someone younger and less experienced offers a different solution than what we know. We encounter a new problem or a recurring, old problem and suddenly a younger person (maybe even a younger version of us) offers an unfamiliar solution. Too often, we immediately discount the suggestion due to our “education”…or perhaps bias to our way of doing things.
“But, I have years of experience and education,” we say. “What could this young person possibly know that I don’t already know?”
In technology and especially web based solutions? A LOT! The technological pace of change is so quick that just when we believe we have one thing mastered, it’s already out of date.
- Standards change
- Trends change
- Delivery channels change
- Audiences change
As much as we may not like it, even the ancient Greeks understood this.
“Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus
Regardless of what we may “know” we need to be sure we don’t turn down the opportunity to learn something new…even from that young kid.
[Great bookworm photo via Victor Hanacek].
Greg Simmons
First, I'm a husband, dad, Boy Scout leader and marching band parent. By day, I'm a Product Manager at a Managed Services Provider (think cloud). Any other time, I'm busy with family, Boy Scouts (camping, hiking, high adventure), marching band (yes, I'm "that" band dad) and being an all around geek. I have been involved in Church Tech in some form for over 25 years (writing THAT out hurt). During that time I have worked with audio, lighting, video, social media, web presences and face-to-face with youth and adults.
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