21st Century Educator

The debate as to if 1 to 1 is a worthwhile pursuit in our schools has been taken to our newspapers with one of our country’s apparent “leading” edtech authors writing in with articles like this
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/maralynparker/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/dear_maralyn/

I highly recommend you read this article and then see what you think of my thoughts on the post…. So much more to come!!!!

A response to this is going to require a very fine glass of red before I can fathom the words to possibly describe how obscure some of these thoughts are…

Some good points here but many are followed with some absurd claims!! Are you serious when you state….

“Personal computers, desktops and laptops are as the name indicates intended for personal use and not classroom teaching. They are not, and never will be an appropriate technology for teaching a whole class.”

You have just ignored some of the finest research done in the last 25 years into educational technology (eg papert)

I want a device in the hands of the learner at all times – not a device that is used by so many to simply continue teaching in the archaic methods of the past. If we really want to think “out of the box” destroy the 4 walls of the classroom and replace it with open spaces that have students working in a variety of different situations and with different groups of people…. Destroy structures that stream by age, get rid of the almighty standardised test and it’s authority on what students know and don’t know or perhaps create stronger links for schools to industry. Why spend money on devices that still rely on the classroom being the core place of teaching and learning…. The true digital work place is not in a fixed place – it is the world of wireless connectivity, where learning happens regardless of where I am! The digital world is not a place that plays homage to a concept like the “timetable” it is a place where flexibility is key and being adaptive and creative is what dictates success and achievement!!

It is these reasons why I agree with you that this sudden infusion of funding is not being well thought through and limited planning was put in place as to the best way to implement for the best educational outcomes.

Continuing the conversation…

Brett

So I tweeted this morning about a report I just found on IWB research – “IWB biz funds “education” report on IWB effectiveness I am now reviewing my health – not doc – I am fit healthy and not addicted to coffee!”

3 ways to start a great day – 1) Lots of smiles from your 5month old (who sleeps through the whole night) 2) A great tripple shot Latte and 3) Marvelous true educational critique of those who are turning our classrooms into a circus!!

So I am not going to say more than… This is a must read –
Read and Enjoy – Or be educated!!

Once you have read this check out this Ted video – for less than 1% of the price of an IWB you can “edutain” your kids!!