Orlikowski explains in his article how weakly developed technological frames cause problems when trying to use a new technology. He states, "If people have a poor or inappropriate understanding of the unique and different features of a new technology they may resist using it, or may not integrate it appropriately into their work practices" (364).
Don't let weakly developed technological frames take advantage of you!!! Facebook is not your average technology collaboration tool. It's more than another way to keep in touch with people. It's a way to manage your relationships, share your photos, advertise your events, express yourself through notes, and meet new people through groups. Facebook is how a person manages their online identity.
Technological frames, especially shared frames, should not play a large role in Facebook. Every individual uses Facebook in a different way and for different purposes; using shared technological frames will detract from a person’s Facebook experience.
I would suggest that 40-60 year olds attend my Facebook 101 workshop, where I will explain the different functions, tools, and faux pas of Facebook. Because Grudin states that, “measuring costs and benefits after a technology is deployed is difficult” (324), I would make sure that I discuss these costs and benefits in detail during my workshop, before the participants become actively involve with Facebook. Once they feel that they are properly knowledgeable, they can identify their own personal costs and benefits of the tool and focus on the aspects of Facebook they feel best suits their needs. I believe that after completing my Facebook 101 workshop, the participants will leave being more effective Facebook users and skilled online impression managers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I really like how you say that "Facebook is how a person manages their online identity." I think this is a good way to describe Facebook to this age group because just being able to keep in touch with people may not be enough for them. They may think that they could use a phone for that or that their other friends probably don't use the Internet much anyway. I also like the idea for the workshopad I like that you say thy can focus on the aspects of Facebook they feel best suits their needs. This is important because one technological frame they may have is that technology is too overwhelming, so letting them know that they do not need to use every aspect of Facebook is crucial.
ReplyDeleteI like how you would discuss the costs and benefits in detail before the participants would actually use Facebook. That would help them to avoid some of the initial negative feelings associated with any difficulties or minor failures. Knowing what you're getting into beforehand always makes the learning process much easier. If your participants didn't already have any kind of pre-existing technological frames that they could associate with their new experiences, you'd be helping them to develop some through your lessons.
ReplyDeleteHighlighting the benefits first would get them interested. Interested people learn best.