Avoiding the Duality Duel January 22, 2008
Posted by gmwand in Uncategorized.trackback
I was watching the an old western the other day and mulling over random some thoughts about dual nature of education today and considering implications of a political change in the Whitehouse.
On one side we have the rigid NCLB. Uncompromising and unforgiving. Every student can and will learn the same material to take the same test at the same time. On the other side is the wonderful world of Web 2.0. The land where students are in total control of their own personal learning.
I began to imagine a duel of sorts between the two. It started with the obligatory “this school ain’t big enough for the both of us” and continued with the dramatic music, people clearing the “hallways” and slamming shut the locker-doors to hide from the battle that was about to ensue.
After the battle was done (winner unimportant to the story), I surveyed the carnage that was left behind. You know that’s the part they never show in the movie, the destruction that is left behind and what it might take to pick up the pieces and rebuild after the ridden off into the sunset. The destruction that I saw was a learning system paralyzed, and student’s education in ruin. NCLB with it’s promises of student achievement cannot deliver, but I’m not sure just running it out of town and leaving students to create their own learning is the answer either.
I don’t have any type of answers. At this point I’m still just mulling thoughts around in my head and now in cyberspace. I’m working on it from several different angles.
- I’m trying to write a technology plan and frustrated that the format for a technology plan doesn’t really concern itself with what technology you want to purchase and why you want it
- I’m trying to educate teachers about incorporating web 2.0 technologies into their own learning and teaching, but they are busy preparing for “the test”
- I am trying to learn more for myself and don’t know where to look next or what questions to ask
- I want my own children to develop these seeking and sharing skills as well as have a “well-rounded” education
Like I said, I’m not sure of the answers or if there even are answers. I’m just wondering out loud.
Feel free to comment on what I have written, to guide me, to teach me. . .
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