I have been continuing to mull over what it really means to be a n00b. Several highly skilled, highly regarded people have recently categorised themselves as n00bs. So what is a n00b?
Personally I found that being a n00b is a combination of factors.
Yes there is the lack of familiarity with the new environment, but many newcomers have experienced similar environments, and so are able to quickly become comfortable in the new environment, but still feel themselves to be n00bs. Yes there is a new skill set that must be learnt – in an online environment it may be, for example, how to fly, how to walk, how to communicate. Again, many newcomers bring with them previously learnt skill sets that support their rapid acquisition of the new skills.
All too often though the familiarity and the skill set are seen as the only elements needed for a newcomer to move on from the n00b phase. There is at least one other element which I have found to be important for me to move into more confident territory – the conventions which are either associated with the new environment, or which are accepted by the other participants in that environment.
I wonder if I have paid as much attention to conventions as I have to skills and environments, enough to support my students in moving through their learning in the best way possible!
June 14th, 2008
Last night I was working in a virtual world in which I feel very comfortable, and I was joined by someone whom I envy because of their skill, knowledge and familiarity in a different virtual environment. When this person characterised themselves as a n00b, it started me thinking.
Getting started with new online presences has underlined to me how easy it is to move out of my carefully nurtured and protected comfort zone. It only takes a few steps in a new direction to enter the unknown. I have found this to produce a range of feelings, from timidity to challenge.
I have also found that having a background in other online applications and places has provided a bit of an air bag. I know what I can do, and am finding that some of those skills and understandings are supporting the new experiences. I also have the confidence to follow my nose and work things out. This does not mean, however, that I will be able to reliably replicate what I have done. I am a n00b all over again, with a slightly different entry point.
For me n00b therefore should not be a term that is looked down on or that should be discounted. It is a crucial element of the learning cycle. If I avoid being a n00b, I avoid initiating learning, and miss out on the challenges and the thrill of achievement. For me n00b is now a badge I will wear proudly (but I hope only temporarily) as it tells me I have started something new and am learning.
I hope that this new found understanding is also reflected in how I work with and support those who could be tagged as n00bs in all situations and environments.
June 11th, 2008
