Today I’d like to share with you a post by Mark Pesce. 
In essence he writes about the breaking down of the walls I hear so many teachers aspire to through their integration of technology.
The article explores concerns & misconceptions and paints a picture of the 21st century model. What’s just as interesting is the following dialogue.
Here are some excerpts:
“We can’t roll back the clock to an earlier age without computers, without Internet, without the subtle but profound distraction of text messaging. The school is of its time, not out it. Which means we must play the hand we’ve been dealt. That’s actually a good thing, because we hold a lot of powerful cards…”
“as recently as a few years ago the lecturer was the font of wisdom and source of all knowledge – perhaps with a companion textbook. In an age of Wikipedia, YouTube and Twitter this no longer the case. The lecturer now helps the students find the material available online, and helps them to make sense of it, contextualizing and informing their understanding.“
Mark leans toward the notion that we’re losing control and that’s ok. He suggests “… students are the administrators…”.
Personally I agree the comment by Charlie. We need to take an active role in teaching the students how to USE the new tools (ie; the computer, the internet, the iPod…) for research, learning, writing, validating… Sure the students know how to use these ‘gadgets’, but they need to learn to use these awesomely powerful tools WELL.
Brisbane Beyond Chalk Facilitator
