Why Digital Colonist?

So why would I call myself a digital colonist?

 I've never loved the terms "Digital Immigrant" and "Digital Native." I don't think the term digital immigrants suits us.  To call us digital immigrants implies there was an entire digital world that we traveled to and hoped to find a place to fit in.  We are the ones actively creating that world.  We are researching, designing, adapting, and building that world on a daily basis.

I'm certainly not a digital pioneer.  Although I consider myself to be an earlier adopter, I don't have quite the financial means or the courage to be out there on the bleeding edge of innovation (although I did have a Commodore 64 when I was in high school).  My first iPhone was a 5, my first iPad was a 2.  I happily use a variety of Adobe products ranging from CS3 (at most of our high schools) to CS6 (on my nifty new work laptop) and I am still hesitant to purchase a new computer, but I have helped my son master Windows 8 (by "master" I mean "barely function").

So if I'm not an immigrant, nor a native, nor a pioneer, what am I?  I believe I am a digital colonist.  I have left my comfort zone as a teacher trainer and begun to set up roots in 21st century education.  I am not the one blazing the trails, but I am willing to set down roots here and begin rebuilding my structures in my new home.  I chose to come here, and I am happy here, but there are many challenges I still need to overcome.  There are days when I long for the simplicity and familiarity of my old world, writing my reminders on actual sticky notes and scrap paper, but I truly believe that this new world offers a better and more secure future, and I really do want to belong here.

Come with me on my journey and we'll find ways to make this digital world a comfortable home.  And we may even begin to bring some other folks along with us.