Black Box Swap Shop

Photo credit: HDWallpaperia.com

I need help getting out of a black box. But first, a few confessions. There was a time when I could build websites from HTML, could code most devices, messed with wires and was as savvy with tech as a teacher who loved tech could be. But that was back in 2000. Since then,  I left teaching and went into publishing and digital technology- and I have fallen behind. I need help to catch up. In return, I have ‘swaps’ to put on the table.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Blackbox.svg/200px-Blackbox.svg.png

For the past 16 years, I have taken a ‘Black Box’ approach to making digital things happen. I focus on the input and the output. I learn enough to understand the framework (give the box a little shake), and then leave it to experts who know what goes on inside the box to make great stuff come out..

• That worked great for when I worked in large organisations.
• It works great when I work with clients, as I don’t get pulled into details that belong to team members to own.
• It works great when I am working with kids, as it makes them the experts and problem solvers.

However, it is increasingly dragging me back as a freelancer.

I have begun to lose track of myself online. I have google apps, but want to move to more open tech.  I manage my WordPress site – but I know it could be better. I have a bunch of domains, which I don’t know what I’m doing with, but need sorting. I have a Pogoplug as a personal cloud – which I barely use – as my storage is now a mess of systems. I use a bunch of web services for work which don’t talk to each other as much as they could.

Finding a series of MOOCs, tech guides, etc, is another chimera of hassle.

SO, I need help. I need a guide to help me untangle the loose ends and help me get back on track. Is this you? Can you help me with any of the above? 

Obviously, I have kind friends with skills, but I refuse to take without giving.  So, even if you don’t want what I can offer, perhaps you know someone who does. Gift me to person or an organisation you care about.

So, what can offer in return?

• I offer my professional services (edtech strategy, digital learning product development, school communication, CPD)
• I offer help learning how to cook (I used to be a chef)
• Physical labour (gardening, moving stuff, making up flat packs  and general DIY)
• I can tutor
• I can teach 
• I offer time and my ears, and mentoring.

If you think you’d like to Swap – get in touch eylan@ezekiels.co.uk

If you know a skills exchange that this belongs in, or can suggest a way to manage this sort of swappage, please let me know!

Thanks