The Radical Tactical Shift has moved...

2010-10-24T13:49:00.001-04:00

I have moved my blog to http://mrkemp.tumblr.com.

I continue to blog about issues of education, revolution, learning and students. It is a much better format for my thought process.

Thanks,
Kemp

Digital Citizenship

2010-03-30T21:42:00.000-04:00

I had a great opportunity to sit with teachers, administrators and students within the WRDSB to talk technology for the day today. It was an often rigorous discussion, sometimes fluffy, yet altogether enriching opportunity to not only talk about what we can do, but to take a hard look at how we build effective citizens of the emerging media landscape. All that said, I took away five major thoughts:
1. Firewalls are bad. Most importantly, we can firewall in the school but that doesn't teach students the skills and values necessary for dealing with the landscape that awaits them outside of school. Not to mention, most students know how to get around firewalls anyway, so why not open the floodgates and teach them.
2. Good teaching is still the most important aspect. We can talk about technology and we can talk about the changing nature of life and communication. Heck we can whip together a prezi or a bitstrip or whatever, but the bigger discussion we are not having is how do we ensure we have good teachers teaching. How do we ensure that we aren't razzle dazzling and not failing to really teach, values, commitment, passion, a zest for living and learning.
3. Technological Access: Introducing technology into the classroom is great, I've done it and will continue to do it. I can even handle cell phones and Blackberry in the classroom. The issue that wasn't addressed today and remains a huge stumbling block for me is how do we ensure technological access to all students in a manner that ensures a level playing field?
4. Change is coming. After a few years of seemingly banging my head against a wall, the crack in the wall is showing through. Even more importantly, the people with real power to change are starting to see the crack too. With the lowering of the firewall, the giving of responsibility to the students, we are starting to address the needs for real change. Putting old worksheets on a PowerPoint is not good enough. To those teachers who failed to check your e-mail, the memo has most definitely been sent. Get over it, quite your whining.
5. Good discussion is good for the soul. I was able to spend time with people who are not scared. Heck, some like my VP are scared, but they don't let that immobilize them. That is so rewarding to see. I feel like I did back when I was at West Carleton, pushed to be the best. We are on the same wavelength. The competitive juices are coursing through my veins and I want to be the best, as an individual, as a department, as a school, and as a board. I finally feel like I've got a few mighty warriors with me. Gear up boys, I'm going in.

Cheers,
Kemp