I've just been off visiting a site from the extra resources section open thinking educator. Knowing Leigh a little, I expect we were linked to that site because there is a significant and ongoing debate on that site about copyright and access to information. Leigh is big on the idea of free education and the theme is followed through in his second extra resources link.
I haven't actually formed an opinion on that topic yet but what interested me about the site was the intensity of the debate. It felt like any minute now they were going to start throwing things or hitting each other. Clearly participants were engaging by choice and could choose not to engage but it all started from one guy stating his vision for open education. In my student cohort there are always some very vulnerable students. I'm picturing one of them making an 'innocent' or perhaps niave value ridden statement and coming under public scrutiny and attack. That could be absolutely soul destroying and worse for some of my students. It is an issue that needs considerable thought in relation to online learning. Ensuring our students safety can be difficult enough in the face to face environment.
Hi Jenny
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to make contact with you following the face-to-face meeting with Bronwyn, Gary, Felicity, Helen, Cyndy etc last week. When I told of my idea, you said you had had a similar idea some time ago. I'd like to hear more about what you had in mind and how you saw it working. Tracey
Hi Tracy
ReplyDeleteEarlier today - in fact first thing this morning I responded to you on my blog but it's not here - Very bizzare. Maybe if I sign out and then sign back in it will appear? still havent figured out the technological stuff yet. Ah well. I'll see what happes and get back to you. Really better go and get some work done
Cheers
Jenny
Fair comment Jen.. But its probably better that they learn how to deal with that while they have access to you and your support, than later when they've finished their time with you and gone off somewhere to post those ideas ready for a grilling.
ReplyDeleteOh, and also - note that the flame comments are related to Minhaaj and Alec - two people who have been at it for a while now in various forums. Minhaaj is actually an informal participant in this course.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Leigh and I suppose it's no different from what happen's in the classroom except that in the class I have a responsibility to put a lid on heated debates in order to protect students who freak out around conflict. I don't mind a bit myself as long as it's intelligent and constructive which I thought the debate between Minhaaj and Alec was. I think they both made some good arguments and there is definate food for thought, I just felt a bit sorry for Alec because he seemed to be getting it from all sides - I suppose it was the mother in me but I guess he's a big boy and wouldn't be in it if he wasn't in to it!
ReplyDeleteOh and I was aware Minhaaj was somehow wth us!
Cheers
Jenny