Activity 19

The K-12 online conference that I chose to view was

“It Simply Isn’t the 20th Century Any More Is It?: So Why Would We Teach as Though It Was?”

given by Prof. Stephen Heppell. The first thing that struck me was the relaxed atmosphere from which the conference was done. He started out talking about the fact that he could not sail and so decided to do the cast. (After about 4 minutes in, I lost my video feed - Quick Time could not support it - and just had to listen)

He started out by giving a history of the use of technology in schools starting from the 1980's - a time that I can remember. The idea that they had this bulky technology and were trying to figure out what they could do with it resonated. I remember the "Trash 80's" that could be programmed to run a simple grade book. We thought that was an amazing time saver. (Of course, we thought a calculator was impressive). I do remember wondering what else could be done. Apparently, while I was pulling 5 1/2 inch (real) floppy disks in and out, a very exciting experiment was unfolding. Students were selected at random and networked together with scientists to communicate. It was the beginning of "Us-ness."

Now, we are experiencing a financial collapse of the banking industry that Prof. Heppell maintains could happen to the "factory school." The factory school is being forced to compete with a 24/7 environment where education can be had for the taking. Obviously, something has got to give. How do we embrace the 21st Century in a cost effective manner that will serve our clientele?

Make it a great day!