Contributing to a list is hard work for me, compared to brogwriting. I feel like I have to choose words so carefully.... So, rather than add to the wwwedu discussion, I just added the following comment (also easier to write) to Andy's post:
Yes Andy, that was one good rant and discussion. I hope readers remember that the feelings behind Jeff’s rant continue there still - and are shared by many, myself included. Just speaking the problem does not solve it, make it go away, or lessen the feeling that produced it.
And yet I wonder what those just tuning in on this discussion think about all this? Are those ranters really a bunch of loose cannons, spurred on by some wild hair of a crazy idea? I think it would be pretty easy to think that, if you’ve not been involved in the discussion. Don’t schools have computers? Aren’t they connected to the Internet? What’s the problem then, for goodness sake? Just settle down and keep the kids safe.
So I do worry about that. I think those of us waving our arms around so wildly at times at this or that windmill need to remember the most powerful change agent in the US - public opinion. I hope we are not shooting our cause in the foot, adding, in our passion, to the fear that may “overtake the Internet’s potential…”
Thanks for the thoughtful and kind remarks Andy. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. - Mark
1 comment:
Jeff, thanks for your comments! I'm with you 100% on skewed media coverage of the Net.
I was so happy to see your rant on wwwedu, because it seems the list culture has been relatively quiet in expressing this kind of outrage. Relatively quiet compared to the blogosphere, where impassioned rants like yours are heard on a regular basis. So thanks again for getting it out there for all those (passive by comparison) list folk.
And thanks for pointing out Dana's interview. I've read her stuff before and been blown away.
I think the mainstream is beginning to hear noises about the potential of the Net in education - hey, how about Andy having a blog on PBS?! This I think is very exciting. I only worry that the public, when they finally hear from educators about all the new potential - will be put off by some of the screaming passion - and not understand what it's all about.
But, I ought to worry about that when the word starts getting out there. In the meantime, I'll be looking for you on Oprah!
Take care - Mark
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