Just sayin…

On one hand I agree with you Rich. Kids are gonna learn plenty about internet trends on their own. they probably aren’t going to jump onto Wikipedia and study World War 2 for fun, though.

On the other hand, it actually made some more sense when I read the whole article. I kinda liked that the whole curriculum seemed more about teaching about understanding as a whole rather than just memorizing dates and facts. It pointed out that historical periods would be taught, just giving some flexibility as to which ones, and in the secondary years there is extensive studying of events such as World War 2.

It sounds less like they are teaching people how to Twitter and Facebook, but more like how to use the internet as a tool for gaining information. As part of the curriculum in elementary school they still have to have an overall understanding of chronological history and how events connected to each other. I’m still not sure I could do that well!

So I dunno. At first glance it seemed a bit absurd. But once I read the whole article, I have to wonder if they might not be on to something.

WOW is not the way I want kids to learn about online communities.

And P.S. I am glad I stumbled on your blog. You keep addressing topics that are near to my heart as a Christian and a mamma. Keep up the good work.

You make some important counterpoint to my blast of this. I just think the Twitter part of it sounded a bit too much! Twitter is still experimental. Now, using podcasting or new media in general makes sense. And, those without access, as you describe, will be disadvantaged!

Great thoughts Rick!

As an educator, I’m amazed at how our schools are among the last institutions to integrate technology as a part of everyday life. We really need to do away with the desks-in-rows, sit-and-get approach to instruction. Do we specifically need to to make Twitter, blogging, and Wikipedia goals unto themselves? Not necessarily, but they do need to be integrated as essential tools to support learning standards.

I have a local friend who teaches English to kids who are second-language learners. For the most part, they have grown up speaking Spanish, and only have a rudimentary knowledge of English. He has been using podcasting as a way for his kids to practice their skills, and then get feedback from others. It engages them, and they wind up learning more from each other than they would just sitting in a desk.

Thanks for the post here, Rich. Just my 2/5 of a nickel worth.