Comments on: A Week’s Worth

By: Illya Arnet

Illya Arnet — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:24:59 +0000

I’m a quiet follower of your blog, but here you really made a statement that should be included in the euphoria of using web2.0 to teach with.
There is a lot going on the language learning department in terms of exchange of experiences and further development. If you look at some of the learning going on using blogs and podcasts, you will see that there IS a new way of looking at teaching and, more importantly, learning, and the role of the learner is being redefined.
I’m certainly very enthusiastic about the possibilities, but thankful for statements like yours, which cause me to reflect and review my arguments for using blogs, wikis, etc. for teaching/ learning purposes

By: Angela C.

Angela C. — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:27:05 +0000

I’m fascinated by the discussion on the proper use of technology in teaching. The term ‘virtuo-chalk’ is a good reminder of the need to avoid wasting multi-visual aids on out-dated teaching methods.

By: JC Clarke

JC Clarke — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:00:27 +0000

Well put, Bud. I agree, and I think that the key is that technology is used to open up new opportunities to engage students in genuine critical thinking. Rather than watching the teacher type, why not let the students start engaging in silent classroom discussions online. Give the quite kids a chance to shine. It’s just one small example, but I think that the key is to understand that technology isn’t going to change what good education really is–it’s going to change how education is done.

By: Terry Elliott

Terry Elliott — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:46:01 +0000

I agree that we are putting old wine into new bottles. I think that our most serious problem is one that springs from our mind’s inherent capacity to relate old things to new things. We understand in relation to something we already know. What happens when something new comes along? Well…we get ‘virto-chalk” (man, that virtuo-chalk dust never comes out of my dark shirts.) Now the question becomes how do we harness this natural “comparing” capacity in such a way that instead of pouring the new wine into the old bottle we…drink it. I see this strategy among the early adopters–a willingness to get ‘drunk’ on the technology then the morning after, hungover as hell, we lose the thread we took up and adopt our default position. This heady new stuff demands vigilance. We have to pay attention in new ways to the implications of these tools and ask more of ourselves when we use them. Vague indeed, but that ability to adopt new ‘stances’ is what characterizes the application of new ideas in the old world.

Your post is a touchstone. Thanks for the opportunity to respond.

By: Bud Hunt

Bud Hunt — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:02:13 +0000

Of course. I’m happy to fill you in.

By: Kevin H.

Kevin H. — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 21:39:51 +0000

Dagnabit
I wish I could have joined you in Baltimore, but school is still in session for me (darn snow days) and I had to bow out of the event.
Any chance you could give me an overview when its over, Mr. Dad?

Kevin