Post 2 - Learning 2.0

The video assignments this week were exceptionally powerful. I have always enjoyed listening to Ken Robinson, especially this criticism of schools stifling creativity. Especially striking is his comment that in order for people to be creative, we have to be willing to risk failure. What was even more powerful, however, were the facts presented in the first three videos. I was astonished by the percentage of time students today will spend working with digital media. When contrasted to the amount of time our educational programs allow for our students to utilize those same programs, the results are dismal.

The school I teach at this year has a 1-to-1 laptop/tablet PC ratio. Every student is issued their OWN tablet pc for use in the classroom at home. Of course, though, virtually EVERY collaborative tool, web 2.0 program and proxy/workaround is blocked. I find myself asking "Whats the point of giving students a tool, but then not allow them access to the vast majority of the extensions". Its like having a hammer with no handle. You can get some things accomplished with the metal hammer head, but it really works best when combined with the handle.

Mission to Learn offers a free eBook on their website, and it is a great primer for people interested in providing online learning opportunities. Author Jeff Cobb goes into great detail explaining the difference between a podcast and a wiki, and also gives several examples on how they can be used.

An article was published last year about a school in New York that has also piloted a 1-to-1 laptop program with significant gains in literacy. However, the article states that their district also suffers from similar internet censorship from the district level. Though their networks appear to be less restricted than mine, many teachers are also advocating for students to be allowed to use cell phones and social networking sites.

I understand both sides of the argument, but it is my humble opinion that school districts need to relax the internet restrictions. Maybe allowing social networks will fail, but without being willing to RISK failure, districts can be neither creative or innovative. If we fail to allow ourselves that creative tool, then it is impossible to instill that creativity in our children.

References:

Cobb, J. Learning 2.0 for associations. (2008). Mission to Learn website. Accessed August 9, 2009 from http://www.missiontolearn.com/2008/02/learning-20-ebook-free/

Green, E. Learning 2.0 brings schools into the digital age. (2008). New York news. Accessed August 9, 2009 from http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-22/news/learning-2-0-brings-schools-into-the-digital-age/1