Jabiz Raisdana

This week’s Friday Follow Interview is with Jabiz Raisdana and, as with previous interviews from points on the globe as diverse as New Delhi, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, we are coming today all the way from Jakarta, Indonesia. I have always been intrigued by Jabiz’s thoughts on Twitter and I feel that his blog is so wonderfully titled, Intrepid Teacher. Jabiz is indeed an intrepid teacher and you should really have a look at the photograph that reveals where Jabiz began his teaching career in Mozambique. Let’s begin…

1. Please tell us a little about yourself.

Hi, I am Jabiz Raisdana an international schoolteacher currently working at a 1:1 Mac, MYP school in Jakarta. I am currently teaching MS ESL, but have taught English, Humanities, History, Geography, Journalism, Global Issues and Drama. I have taught k-12, but I think eighth grade is my favorite. I enjoy reading, writing, playing guitar and creating content for the web. I am firm believer in teachers understanding and criticizing the use of digital technology to engage learners and help build communities of learners world wide. I believe in balancing the digital with the organic and blurring the lines between online life and the “real” world.  You can learn more about me by snooping around my blog or just doing a Google search.

2. Tell me about your relationship with social media. How do you feel about social media?

My Twitter feed says, “I want to share as much as I can as often as I can with as many people as I can.” And I think my twenty thousand plus Tweets attest to the fact that I love being online and connecting with people using as many social media outlets as I can. I believe in putting it all out there, from the profound to the mundane and seeing what sticks. While I understand the criticisms that social media is shallow and superficial, I see it more as a movement where we are all adding pixels to some greater picture. I see my involvement in social media as me doing my part writing the great human novel. I have made some amazingly deep and powerful relationships through the social web and I am excited to see where it goes in the coming years. I only wish that more people had the courage to be more open online to encourage authentic community building.

3. Describe the role that you think social media plays in education.

I think the role is two-fold. First social media has got to be the most powerful professional development tool I have ever used. I am not the first to say that tools like blogs, Twitter, and even Facebook have connected me to hundreds of amazing educators worldwide, some who sometimes share my world view and help motivate me to improve my craft, and also others who disagree with me in many aspects, but help keep me grounded and sharp. But beyond being professional development, social media has allowed me to pursue my personally passion and collaborate with people worldwide to create art and music. (http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/2010/11/peak-out-from-the-edge/)

The other use is of course with students. I believe that we have been made to fear (http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/2010/11/shackled-by-fear/) the use of Social Media with students. If we can help student to find depth and sophistication with media tools than maybe we can guide them into using social media in a more meaningful way. The idea being that, social media can be more than a way to merely hang out with friends. We can inspire young people to develop places online where they can explore their own learning and share what they find with a greater audience.

Furthermore, we can use social media to connect out students to experts from around the world. (http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/2010/12/im-no-expert-but-i-can-help/) I think the most important of social media, however, is ability it will have for us to bring to people into the conversations. With so many more people online, hopefully it will be easier to share our passion and enthusiasm for online education.

4. What do you feel are you strengths?

I feel my strengths are my open, honest approach to most everything I do. I am easily excitable and like to be heard. I try to be an open-minded caring, collaborative member of my online community. I share my work as well as those of people I respect. I try to maintain high standards of web-etiquette and treat people with respect and attention. Another strength is I am not afraid to share. I put it all on the line, in hopes that my transparency can act as a model for others who may still be doubtful.

I understand that everything I have listed as a strength, can also be seen as a weakness, and perhaps my ability to see my own flaws is a strength in and of itself.

5. What advice do you like to share with people?

The more you open up and allow people into your mind, ideas, and lives the more rewarding your experience will be. (http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/2009/06/life-as-an-open-book/)  I honestly believe that what we put out into the universe is what we get back, so don’t be afraid. Share your ideas, doubts, talents and areas for growth. You will find people who will join you on your journey.

6. Are there any questions you would like to ask?

I have no questions at this time, but perhaps we can meet in the comment section below. Come find me, let’s chat!


Insightful thoughts Jabiz! I suggest all of you that have enjoyed reading this post join the conversation with Jabiz and also browse on over to his blog to read his latest post, Keep The Flow Going. Thank you for being a part of Friday Follow Jabiz!

Here are some of Jabiz’s excellent web sites and feeds:

Jabiz Raisdana http://www.jabizraisdana.com/
Professional blog: Intrepid Teacher http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/
Personal Blog: Intrepid Flame http://intrepidflame.blogspot.com/
Twitter @intrepidteacher
Flickr: Intrepid Flame
Delicious bookmarks: Intrepid Flame

Thanks for reading and remember that there are other Friday Follow Interviews available here…