This collection of articles, published as Threshold Magazine – New Directions Spring 2008 by Cable in the Classroom and the KnowledgeWorks Foundation is one of the finest “think bombs” related to education and coming changes that I’ve seen printed on paper. I received a copy by accident, as my predecessor was on just the right mailing list.
There’s a great think piece on open textbooks, and Stephen Downes has a piece in the issue, too, on educational choices and virtual options. Also included is a handy copy of the Future Forces Affecting Education map by KnowledgeWorks. Might be worth getting some extra hard copies to share with your favorite administrator, teacher, school board member, etc. (Here’s the reprint inquiry info. I’ll be calling on Monday.)
Too bad the California open text project seems to just barely be started:
http://www.opensourcetext.org/index.htm
For an example of a great open source text, try this one on programming with Python:
http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/
I think there are tons of open source books out there already. I just don’t think that many teachers are aware of them. That Python book can hold its own with just about any intro to programming text.
I’ve shown a physical copy of the first edition to our district curriculum head. She had never seen an open source text before. I showed her the copyright page, where it tells you that you are free to copy and alter the book in any way. Compare that to traditional textbook policies…..
Bud –
Glad you enjoyed the issue. We have an online version of the Map, and we offer laminated print copies of it to anyone who wants it. We hope that the more people that explore the possibilities offered by it, the more will join into the conversation about transforming education into learning.
– Eric Grant
– KnowledgeWorks Foundation