Logon 2 Learning

Wes Fryer conducted an interesting session devoted to how our schools should look like today.This is a recurring theme of NECC this year. Wes wanted us to think about the question: What will thrive in 2065? What skill sets are required and in what ways should our education system change. There appears to be no simple answer to this however it is clear that things cannot continue as they are. Wes then played the Marco Torres video – ‘When I become a teacher”.Wes quotes Marco and his work throughout the session – it just demonstrates how we are all connected in a flat world. He discusses the difference between what he calls Digital School 1.0 where basically nothing is really different just using technology to do it e.g Use of powerpoint replacing overhead projector and Transformative School 2.0 where things look very different – new wine in new bottles not new wine in old bottles. We need to acknowledge change, accept it and move towards it. There is no silver bullet.Wes promoted the K12Online Conference– a completely online conference and FREE. I participated in the first of these in 2006 and would encourage anybody who is interested in contemporary learning to register for this year’s event. Wes is a big believer in 1:1 learning environments.He pointed us to the Alabama Best Practices Center as a good resource.Wes also said that we need emphasis on creativity. The need for creativity and the fostering of creativity has been a major focus of NECC this year.Finally he directed us to the Greater Houstan Education Collaboration site. Wes produces an excellent regular podcast. If you haven’t subscribed to his podcast “Moving at the Speed of Creativity” then you should consider doing so. Wes has pocast a number of NECC 2007 sessions and they will be coming online shortly.