October 19 Day 225: Obsolete

I used to be cutting edge. I hyflexed my classroom when only a handful of people had professional Zoom accounts. I used our course management system for everything from communication to homework submission. I have been grading on an iPad for more than 8 years.

In terms of technology, I’m not really doing things (much) differently—except for assessments. I am struggling to make assessments robust and meaningful while respecting everyone’s unique situation. It’s a work in progress.

I used to feel that I had specialized knowledge that could benefit others and I was happy to share. I made short videos, held private consultations, and facilitated group workshops. Now that we have been at this for 225 days, I no longer feel special. Everyone has these skills. And truthfully, I am too overwhelmed to learn new ones.

Have I become obsolete?

Published by Jenny Quinn

Mathematician. Mother. Wife. Leader. I am the Executive Director of Seattle Universal Math Museum after many years working as a professor of mathematics at the University of Washington Tacoma. Mother of Anson and Zachary. Wife to Mark. President of the Mathematical Association of America 2021-2022. Past-President of MAA 2023.

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