Pioneers, Settlers, and Colonists

Create a free edublog to get your own comment avatar (and more!)

30 Responses to “Pioneers, Settlers, and Colonists”

angw1068, on July 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am Said:

I believe I am a Pioneer at heart, however, when my own kids indicate how slow I am at texting, have better cell phones than I (with QWERTY keyboards), know about websites and other bits of technology that I have no idea, I start to feel like a settler or a colonist. In my adjunct duty as site tech last year I had to be a pioneer to survive, but in many ways I am a settler when I find something that works really well.
tbrent, on July 24th, 2008 at 11:29 am Said:

I can say with certainty that I am a settler. Here is the key phrasing that tells me so:

“This person is less enamored with the new technology, and more interested in the value that it provides.”

Don’t get me wrong– I love new and advancing technology, but I’m looking for two key things before I adopt it for personal use: usefulness and reliability. I am not going to waste money on a 1st generation tool like an iPod touch; rather, I will wait until the 2nd or 3rd generation that has the problems worked out and the memory has been boosted before committing financially, and then only IF it’s useful to me. For instance, I don’t see getting an iPhone as my cell phone works great for making calls and my iPod video has a lot more memory, but I will get an iPod Touch when my current iPod dies. In terms of software, blogs have worked great for me– I don’t have to pay for a website anymore for my family postings– but I don’t really see the point of something like Twitter. I mean, if I know what you’re doing minute by minute, why should we hang out and talk? Besides, do I really want to know when you are doing your laundry or cranking up the BBQ?
I’m quite content within the “settler” label!
mrpayne, on July 24th, 2008 at 11:59 am Said:

After reading the descriptions Pioneers, Settlers, and Colonists, I have come to the conclusion that I am a Settler. I am intrigued by new technologies when they come out, but as a product of early Microsoft software I am leery of new technology until it is battle tested (on the market in customer’s hands for at least six months). I am also a consumer researcher by heart. I will research for weeks before I buy a product especially technology. I want to make sure that it will do what I want it to do. I have spent the last two months deciding which new phone I should buy, iPhone, Blackberry or a Palm and what version within each brand.
Mrs. C, on July 24th, 2008 at 2:48 pm Said:

I would have to say that I am somewhere in between a settler and a colonist. Before starting the Ed Tec program I had almost no knowledge of technology. I wanted to learn about it, which is why I am here. I am certainly no pioneer! I don’t have any fancy gadgets, and most people laugh at my “antique” computer (it’s two years old and hasn’t been upgraded). I have only one computer, and I do not own a laptop. I am very interested in new technology, but I probably wouldn’t seek it out if I weren’t in this program. I must admit that all the new technology is a bit overwhelming to me, but it also fascinates me. My goal is to try to know as much as my students know, and hopefully, a little bit more.

I don’t own an iPod, an iPhone, or any Mac product for that matter. I don’t own a Nintendo, Gameboy, XBOX or anything that plays a game. Secondlife was my first experience in a virtual environment. But I am VERY interested in all of it, so I do believe I am a step above the colonist … but just about one step. I am not a settler because I never purchase anything new. Perhaps once I learn more I will be more interested in purchasing more. For now, I am content learning about it all.
cassie5150, on July 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm Said:

Oh, I am a settler. Once I find a technology I like (or my husband finds it for me), I’m pretty loyal. I am often intrigued by new products or advances, but I never have the latest anything. My husband, however, is a pioneer. Yes, he has an iPhone, iPod, bluetooth, etc etc. He lives for new technology. So I guess I let him do all the work and research then decide what I like.
cwilsie, on July 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm Said:

I think I must be a settler now, but I have been a colonist in the past. I don’t have the time to be a pioneer (although I wish I did — and the money).
I usually don’t try anything new without some sort of recommendation from someone else or unless I’ve read about it somewhere. Even then, trial periods for me can be short. Take Flock for example — I like all the bells and whistles it has and I’m working on setting it up for myself. It has all the social stuff, but I have not tried too much of it yet. I want to check out Twitter because I read about it in the newspaper (they had a meet & greet of tweeters), and I read about it in someone’s blog (the infamous Arthus saga began from a misinterpreted tweet), and now Flock has it all ready to go for me.
Yep, a settler I would say.
denisekhenry, on July 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm Said:

“Colonists
This person is less enamored with the new technology, and ore interested in the value that it provides.”

That’s my philosophy in one sentence. It seems that manufacturers are so focused on getting a product into the hands of the consumer that they have to release the second and third generation of a product within a short time of each other to maximize functionality. I’m cool with my “wait and see” approach and usually end of being satisfied with my purchases for more than six months.

If I were in a position that required me to be a Pioneer, I would have no problem exploring every electronic machine that I could get my hands on. I love to figure things out and then find new ways to use them.
kgranfield, on July 24th, 2008 at 5:36 pm Said:

I am a settler.

I typically know about the new technology, but I am not a pioneer waiting in line to get the new product. I typically wait a few weeks or until there is a newer model. I think money is the main reason for this, as waiting typically throws the price significantly down and more into a bracket I can attempt to justify. Additionally, I wait to see how others like it.

I will be getting the new iPhone soon……
jennitopmiller, on July 24th, 2008 at 7:53 pm Said:

After reading the descriptions of technology types I believe I am a settler. I often wait to find out what people think about a certain product and like to get all of the initial bugs worked out before I try it:)
Also, I am pretty thrifty and like to wait until things go on sale. I do not have to be the first to get something so I am not a pioneer. However I am interested in new technology and always like to keep up on the new products, I will just live vicariously and wait patiently to get them myself:)
hbeezley, on July 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm Said:

I’d have to say that I am more of a settler. I have a phone that is ancient (not even flip!!! - and dropped so many times that the bottom is abrasive). I think I shy away from the newest things until I see why I should bother. Once I know the value of the newer technologies, then I tend to jump right in.

I think there are some ways that I am a pioneer though. When I see stumble across a brand new technology and can imagine all of the amazing possibilities, then I have a voracious appetite for learning about it. Then suddenly something newer comes along, and I get hooked there too.

Probably what keeps me in more of the Pioneer mode is that I am a cheapskate. I won’t be the first to own an iPhone. I’ll wait till it’s more affordable, other people work out the bugs, and it becomes almost necessary for me to have it. Same with iPods. I still have one of those ancient, giant ipods. Eh…it works.
burnworthedu, on July 25th, 2008 at 6:21 am Said:

I so want to be a Pioneer, but I don’t have the time, money or adventurous spirit it takes to invest the money and time in trying something new. I am definitely a Setter. I want to see if something is useful before I start using it. Take Flock for instance, at first glance it seemed way to busy and confusing. But I let my daughter (the Pioneer) use it for a while, and she explained the usefulness of it. Now I am contemplating setting up Flock as my new web browser.
Misty
garcia202, on July 25th, 2008 at 8:01 am Said:

I am cheap. If I have to pay for it, I’m a colonist, I want all the bugs worked out before I put my money on the counter or PayPal. If a new technology fulfills my needs, is free, or there is a beta version, then I am a settler. Oh and of course, if it works.
Since I laughed at people standing in line for the new iPhone, (order on line already, you have a life) I’m definitely not a pioneer. Today I tried to register at mashon.com to create Spore emails, but the earliest date of birth was 1966. It is so sad; even if I wanted to be a pioneer, my shelf date has expired.
burnworthedu, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:01 am Said:

By the way Karl,
I still don’t have my edublog linked properly.
I have had only two comments, one from you and one from Heidi. The url is http://burnworthedu.edublogs.org/
Thanks
Misty
screllin, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am Said:

I think I’m a settler that wants to be a pioneer, but is too chicken. I often pass on the brand-spanking new stuff because I’m not convinced that I won’t be throwing away my time or money. I definitely need to see the value in a new technology or application before I invest in it. It is frequently tempting for me to jump right in, but my rational and cautious side usually takes over right away and I adopt the wait and see approach.
gjedtech, on July 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am Said:

My wife just told me she thinks I am a pioneer. I think I am a colonist. A true pioneer might say I am a settler. It gets complicated……

I don’t adopt cutting edge technology or anticipate it months before it becomes available. Like many, I don’t have the disposable income and will often jump on board a year or so later when prices come down and updates have been developed.

I often need concrete examples of how new technology can benefit me - whether it be new hardware or software - I don’t usually think to myself “If only there was something that did ‘THIS’ or let me do ‘THAT’….the creative possibilities that marketing departments say are inside all of us usually don’t reveal themselves to me.

The people wating in line for the iphone in the video are not necessarily pioneers in my view. They could just be consumers who have some money and time to spend on something new. I’m not sure that everyone who camps out (for example) to be the first to have something will actually use that something to it’s fullest potential or in innovative ways. They could just be killing time before the next Star Trek convention…
lnettels, on July 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm Said:

Sorry about the delay to post; all of this wedding stuff is finally catching up. I believe I am more of a pioneer because I am one of those people who has to have the newest technology as soon as it comes out: ipod, iphone, Wii, etc. In fact, my friends always make fun of me because I never have the same cell phone for a year. I always upgrade when the latest one comes out. Funny enough though, I don’t have the new iphone; I actually have the Blackberry Curve.

I guess it’s kinda sad because I feel as though I just buy into all of the hype from advertising and get sucked away like everyone else. I don’t wait to see if there are kinks that need to be worked out; I just get whatever it is as soon as it comes out. That probably stems from the fact that I am so impatient.

My fiance is the one who waits to see the value of a products or analyzes if what we want is really necessary. I stand in line. =)
Ken Callaway, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:31 pm Said:

There is no easy label to attach to myself in this regard. I am definitely not a pioneer, if for no other reason then that is the most expensive position in inhabit and I am way too cheap to ever be on the cutting edge. (I did get some pioneer status when my father brought home one of the earliest video cameras on the market almost 40 years ago. The recorder was the size of a suitcase, and to lift the camera you needs the shoulders of Herculues, but it was awesome seeing everything we boys did put onto our black and white TV set!) Sometimes I can be a settler, other times I can be a colonist, depending on the technology. Still other times I am a Luddite. There are some technologies I absolutely resent the presence of. I fought long and hard against having a cell phone at all until almost two years ago when my wife told me that she would prefer that I have one with me when I go off into the desert on my own. I now own one, but only carry it when going to place where I probably can’t get reception anyway. Many of the modern technologies, while providing access to a constant stream of entertainment, limit our ability to explore our solitude.
martyjay75, on July 26th, 2008 at 9:18 am Said:

I would have to say I’m a settler according to the descriptions given in the article. While I like to see the new gadgets out there and what they might potentially do for my classes, I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with it. I usually follow my dad’s advice when it comes to the newest gadgets, especially from Apple. Wait until the “first generation” of a device has run it’s course. After about 5 to 6 months, the newer faster 2nd gen comes down the pike. It usually fixes most of the bugs that people find in the first gen.

I can usually tell right away if some new hardware/software is going to be useful or not. As teachers, we’re practically blitzed with having to learn about new technologies. But I won’t simply use something because everyone else is or because it’s “new.” I usually wait, read the reviews, maybe try out a demo for free, and if it’ll will make my life easier in some way, I’ll adopt it.
isurewould, on July 26th, 2008 at 9:26 am Said:

This is a very interesting post to me. I actually see myself in all three perspectives.

Pioneer
I am often a pioneer when it comes to web technologies. I will be the first one in my school to create a new account on a cool web 2.0 website and then try it out. I will often try to convert other people to using this website. For example, I started using blogger a while back as a family website and tried to get my whole family to start using it. I am also in the process of trying to get me whole extended family into using Skype as a regular means of communication. I am not a pioneer if it is going to cost me money. I have a hard time spending the premium price to “be the first”. I really don’t care if I am the first or last to have a new technology.

Settler
I definitely see some settler in me. While I am often early to go check out new web 2.0 technologies, I quickly drop the technology if it does not truly add value to my life or teaching. I don’t like technology just for the sake of technology. In fact I often tell people who are frustrated with technology that they should not expect technology to make their life easier. In fact, it often makes it harder and more complicated. What technology does is expand their capabilities to do things that they otherwise would not be able to do.

Colonist
In some ways, I am definitely colonial. It took me forever to get a cell phone because I didn’t know a lot of people who would be wanting to call me, and I didn’t feel like I needed to call people myself. It seemed like a waste of money. Once we had one cell phone, it didn’t take long to get a second because my wife was always commenting that she wished she could call me and reach me anytime. Finally, I saw the value since my family had phones. Other technologies are the same for me. I don’t chat, because I don’t know anyone wanting to chat with me. I don’t do facebook, because I’m not aware of people on facebook who would want to interact with me.
mamia, on July 26th, 2008 at 10:34 am Said:

I think I am a Settler. I like to be on the “cutting edge” of technology but I usually wait until I hear about something new from a friend or it’s been through the beta test. There’s so much new stuff coming out all the time and it is difficult to keep up with all of it.
room207, on July 26th, 2008 at 1:08 pm Said:

In most cases, I am a settler, while in others I am a colonist. I love technology and learning what is new, but I do not adopt until there is adequate support. I don’t mess with beta versions and usually wait. I do not actively search new ways to do things, but through this program I have been exposed to many tools that I am experimenting with, but not a pioneer. When it comes to technology in the classroom, I know I am a settler (although on my campus I am the pioneer - that does not say a lot about me but rather about my colleagues). I am comfortable being a settler because change is sometimes difficult, and based on the description of pioneer, your would have to constantly drop what you have learned to learn something new.
amyrauen, on July 27th, 2008 at 4:28 pm Said:

I think I’m a Colonist. or maybe even beyond. I never have the latest anything. I have a first generation iPod (not because I bought it myself; it was a gift), an earbud rather than a Blue Tooth, and I just got a Razr cell this year. I’ve never even heard of Twitter, much less use it, and prefer handwritten invitations over evites. I’m cool with not buying a plasma-screen TV until my current TV breaks, and Tetris on my original GameBoy is STILL fun!
jliebke, on July 27th, 2008 at 8:59 pm Said:

I would consider myself a settler for very much the same reason as Tedd–“This person is less enamored with the new technology, and more interested in the value that it provides.”

There should be another category–an explorer. Explorers are paid to discover. Pioneers come next–those who hear about the new and throw caution to the wind. If I got a new gadget for free, I’d try anything.

My mind is always open to the latest and greatest, however, my wallet or loyalty stops me from taking advantage of gadgets and my desire for privacy stops me from taking advantage of internet technology. Let me explain:

I really want an iphone. Why don’t I have one? First of all, when given the choice, I’d rather travel or buy a house than buy a gadget and since I’ve been saving for Europe for the last 2 years, I couldn’t justify spending $300+ on a new gadget, not to mention the increase in my monthly expenses for adding internet service to my phone. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love the ability to access the technology, but I want to use the money for other things–I have a GPS, I have a laptop with WiFi, I had a camera (until recently), I have an ipod, and I have a cell phone–sure I’d love to have all in one, but the iphone won’t replace my computer or a decent camera and the new technology would cost near $1000 the first year, $700 each year after, and I don’t want to spend that kind of money at this time. Lastly, and probably most important, I am happy with Verizon and I wasn’t happy with AT&T’s customer service when I was with them. Shouldn’t that count for something, too?

Now with the internet, when I heard of MySpace, for instance, I also heard so many breeches in privacy that compromised teachers. I think My Space seems cool, but I don’t want jeopardize my job by having students pry too much. Facebook came along later, however, and for whatever reason, it offered me a little more comfort/security and I joined. I can’t explain why, it was just an instinct. In hindsight, I’m so glad I waited awhile, because I hooked onto Flock, and it’s all interconnected so I’m pleased.

I guess as adventurous as I am, I am also cautious and price conscious which makes me a settler.
jliebke, on July 27th, 2008 at 9:30 pm Said:

Oh yeah–often by waiting and observing what others experience, a better version comes along. I just saw an add for the new iphone. I’d be bummed if I’d spent all the money on the first one right now.
Richard Dysinger, on July 28th, 2008 at 8:25 am Said:

I’m a settler. It’s important to me that the technology that I utilize be safe and sound. I suppose it comes down to being extremely cheap and I do not want to waste any money. It’s easier for me to wait until it’s time tested and market worthy to purchase it. I keep thinking about Blue-Ray disc versus HD and how that played out. Somewhere out there someone is rocking out to eight tracks while wtaching laser discs. Besides, it’s still new to me even when it’s been on the market already for several years.
mamim, on July 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm Said:

Well, I’m a settler who secretly desires to be a pioneer. Settler because I am pretty loyal to what works but try use new versions of it. However, I admit, I want to run out and buy things as soon as I get the email from Apple, however the settler in me calms down the pioneer and I usually wait till it’s got a good rep and gone through beta testing. Right now my latest obsession in the LG Dare from Verizon. The pioneer in me wants to run out and buy it! It’s fun to be a pioneer, but in the end, settlers are, “This person is less enamored with the new technology, and more interested in the value that it provides.”
That’s me!
suhilives, on July 29th, 2008 at 12:25 am Said:

I have to say that I am a settler, although my friends would probably describe me as a pioneer. I love gadgets, but rarely do i go out and buy them right away. I always have to research and find out what other users in my situation think. I say in my situation because I can’t just go by what a normal user would say about a product. For example, when the new Mac Pro came out a few months ago, I waited to see what other video editors thought about it and how it functioned with the software I would be using. As I read, I found out there were some bugs, so I waited. Did I upgrade? Of course! It’s a quad core dual processor which means it will be more efficient…right?

In the end it does come down to whether or not i need it, and whether it will make me more efficient. The pioneer deep down inside of me, as well as my friends, tell me to go get an iphone, but until I can be convinced that for my needs it will be more efficient than my trusty, no upgrade needing Treo, I’m going to stick with what works. But man, do I love gadgets!
ningrande, on July 29th, 2008 at 8:35 pm Said:

I think that I am stuck between a Settler and a Colonist. I am definitely not a Pioneer, because I can’t afford to be financially. I would love to get into every new technology there is, but I stick to the ones that are more affordable. Prior to joining the Edtec program, I was definitely a colonist. I could careless about what technologies were coming out. I only used what was going to benefit me, which was basically email and my cellphone. I am still a little that way, but I am now listening and looking for new things that are coming out or things that were already there that I could use, like edublogs and wikispaces. I wish I new how to use them before the last school year, but I am definitely going to use them next year.

I guess you could call me a future rookie settler.
imriek, on July 30th, 2008 at 8:33 am Said:

Which One am I?

I admit it, I AM A Settler! Actually I see a little bit of me in all three areas, but I am definitely more of a Settler than any of the others…

PIONEER- Not Me!
I don’t go out and but the latest and greatest technology equipment on the market. AND I never update the operating system on my computer until at least version 2 is available. I am not a real risk taker, I know the price will go down and the features will be improved if I wait.

I do occasionally BETA test software for companies, that’s really fun, but I don’t get too excited until it is on the market and the bugs are worked out.

I am obsessed with the opportunity to bring new, evolving technologies to the teachers in my district. I love to research a product or web site, make a decision to purchase or use the product and then pilot the product for a period of time to see its effectiveness in the classroom.

SETTLER- I can relate to these guys!
This is the area that I fit into the best. I wait just long enough for most of the bugs to disappear then I jump on the bandwagon and hit the road running! I love to bring the new technologies to the forefront and watch the teacher and students sit in awe of the new technologies.

I guess the main reason than I am a settler is that I need to have a sound educational reason to to purchase or engage in the use of a new technology… I need to know that I am doing it to engage learners, motivate students and help teachers with work productivity and management tools. I look at the value that the product will bring and the total cost of ownership (TCO) which includes the product cost, level of technology needed and the training and support services required.

COLONIST- Not my style…
I am definitely not a colonist… If it is a technology worth having or using, I will work hard to make sure the district finds the funds to purchase it. I may not be the first one on the block to have the latest and greatest new technology, but I will be the second kid in line researching to make sure that it is of value to our students and teachers…
rharmon527, on August 13th, 2008 at 7:33 pm Said:

I first thought I could be described as a pioneer. I have the latest MacBook Pro. I have owned eight different Macintosh computers, all the way back to my Apple IIc. I subscribe to pod casts. I own an pod with an adaptor that transmits the sound through my car stereo ( a good one, I might add). I agree with what Kevin Rochowski posted as he described himself as a ‘Prospector’. He said that he was always on the lookout for something that will provide a return on the time invested. I don’t have the time or energy to be a beta tester anymore. I love technology, I just want it to be meaningful and work correctly all the time. Does that make me a ‘Settler’? My wife says I can’t have an iPhone yet until the price comes down.