Both Sides of the Fence or Is This a 21st Century Role Model?

What is a fence? According to Wikipedia, "a fence is a freestanding structure designed to restrict or prevent movement across a boundary." Now that we know what a fence is, a physical barrier to keep something in or something out of a defined space, then what is a role? Loosely defined, a role is a set of behaviors ascribed to a position or social level. Can two or more roles be mixed to form a newly defined role?

This leads to the next strand of thinking on my part. Can a defined role function as a fence of sorts? I think so. And that is my dilemma...or maybe not. Media specialist, technology specialist, teacher, instructional technology coach all have defined attributes that take one to the role level. The role's title implies a set of attributes or a job description if you will. This begs the question: What is the role of the 21st century media specialist? It is gradually being formulated over time as we move forward in time. I, for one, plan to push it a bit faster than others care for it to travel.

The 21st century media specialist is a multitasking individual who removes the fences that we heretofore have straddled. It's the technology, right? Uh huh...it's the technology that removes the fences so that we can embrace all there is to enjoy in the world of media, information, communication and collaboration. Perhaps the next job title will be Instructional Media Technology Specialist or perhaps to create an acronym, Technology Instructional Media Educational Specialist (TIMES). I just have to be careful that in the process of breaking down the fences that I don't fracture the sound barrier.