'A story' or 'THE story' - Out of the ontological closet

I have a story to tell. It's my story but it involves others, so it's their story too. But I'm going to be telling this story, my words, my narrative. Heavily influenced, but mine all the same.

It is A story. Not THE story. This is important. I don't believe, and can't believe, that it could ever be THE story. A different narrator would create a different story, even if the same 'others' were involved.

When I started the EdD I gave up reading stories, or thought I had. I rationalized that novels were a luxury that had to go, along with playing hockey. Classes at the gym replaced the hockey, and academic reading replaced novels. I stepped fully into the 'non-fiction' aisle.

A question from the first set text has stayed with me:"What must be added to a story to make it scholarship?"

It seems there is no clear answer to this. Such a person says it should be this. So-and-So says it should be something else. A.N. Other disagrees with both. To a seasoned teacher, but novice researcher, like myself I have found this incredibly frustrating. Have some people really got nothing better to do with their time. Better stories to tell.

Having said that I have found some of the reading on the philosophy of education and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between Socrates and G.O.D. in Garry Potter's 'the philosophy of social science'. For a while I was drawn to critical realism. I appreciated  what I understand to be the pragmatic nature of it, although some of the finer details elude me at this stage.

Reflecting on this question of 'A story' or 'THE story'. I don't think that, even through our imperfect gaze, that there is a 'THE story' to be discovered, as if 'THE story' exists somewhere, hovering, waiting to pounce.

So there, I've said it. I am a relativist. I have a story to tell. It will be my story. With hard work I will make it scholarly, the first step being to justify my position.

This could very possible end up being the Never Ending Story (cue Limahl)

Through the Adventure Portal

I have started my Doctorate. Another adventure. The difference with this adventure is that I get to stay at home. No packing, no planes, no goodbyes. But lots of hellos. New people to adventure with. And as with past adventures, new diaries to write. The last diary I wrote was when I was teaching in China. Some of it was in Chinese, which means I can't understand my own writing any more. Some of the things I'm writing about now I'm not sure I understand at the moment, never mind if I come back to it in 18 years time.
Yes, I returned from China 18 years ago. Back to the UK, experiencing the culture shock of having to walk on the pavement and not have people stare at me. Starting work in a small college in West Yorkshire, teaching beginner ICT before nudging my way into the ESOL department and then Teacher Education.
It is time for new adventures. The universe aligned itself and I find myself a module and a half into an EdD. I've been writing a lot, for the assignment, note-taking and the above mentioned diary. I've enjoyed the paper-ness of the diary. The flow of the gel pens while curled up on the sofa, squeezed into the viewing gallery of the local pool or the complete indulgence of sitting in a pub with a pint and my thoughts.
I have been a Lurker for many years. Hovering in Twitter but happily not contributing. But I know this has to change. What would be the point of doing the EdD and not sharing what I'm doing. I already feel it is quite a self-indulgent act. Studying when I should be being Mum, Wife, hockey player.
My current question is: What influences a teacher's decision to, or not to use, digital technologies in the classroom. It's already changed from when I first applied, and I am sure it will change again. I'm interested in teacher education, agency and decision-making. Whatever the question turns in to, I need to buckle up and enjoy the ride. This could be a bumpy one.