The “Filter”
In recent meetings I’ve had with colleagues in different school divisions, they keep reminding me (us) that the Web we are talking about “The Read/Write” and “2.0″ varieties, are not the ones that they use at work. When I suggested at a meeting to start a podcasting initiative with English teachers in our middle schools, the backlash hurt.
“It’s blocked!” said one.
What is? - I asked.
“Blogs!” cried one. “Wikis!” cried another.
“Wikis??” I asked. “Yes,” they confirmed.
I know I am not alone with disappointment. Blocking the Internet is safe and leaves no questions asked about loopholes or accidents (in a perfect world–the kind where proxy servers and leaked passwords and other methods never come into play).
But seriously–how do you address 21st century skills without access to the tools that are partly inspiring the revolution?
It’s disappointing to me that even our technology leaders are at odds with these policies–or unsure of them–and yet nothing is done.
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