This may be the most quoted post on teh interwebs in the last two weeks. I’ve seen it everywhere. I’m posting in there so I can be sure you’re all linked in.
Kevin Kelly — The Technium
This super-distribution system has become the foundation of our economy and wealth. The instant reduplication of data, ideas, and media underpins all the major economic sectors in our economy, particularly those involved with exports — that is, those industries where the US has a competitive advantage. Our wealth sits upon a very large device that copies promiscuously and constantly.
This is an important paragraph in the overall essay (you should go read it) because it underscores the issue of equity. The technology defines our culture. It’s a radical change from the models of the past and it has direct bearing on the ideas I’ve asked you to think about over the last couple of posts.
How does this “super-distribution system” change the meaning of what an educated person is? How does the educational subculture cope with this idea and what can we do to make sure our students - our children - will be able to make a living when they grow up? How do we make sure *we* will be able to make a living in the face of the new economic models? If the schools close, what will teachers do?
February 14th, 2008 at 11:27 am
You know I have thought several times about loosing my job to the internet, but thought “I’ll never see that in my life time”. Now I’m not so sure. This article brought up a good point, most everything is free on the internet. As the previous article we read about the mob pointed out, even music and videos are now published free on the internet. So a new definition, for me, of an educated person would be one that was capable of using all this “free” stuff to their advantage. Being able to make money by selling this free stuff will be the way of the world. I am not proud to say it, but since everything I teach can be found somewhere on the web for free, what do I need to work anymore for? If we had self motivated students, we wouldn’t need teachers anymore. Can that happen? Self motivated students?? Naaa!
February 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Barbara, I think that you make a very good point even if stuff is free, there still needs to be teachers present so that students know how to distinguish between what is authentic and what is not. If I had not started this masters program, I can’t imagine how long it would have taken me to start using blogs, gator feeds, etc. Someone around me would have to have been doing it for me to even know these technologies existed. I don’t think we can ever get rid of teachers, unless we become a society where everyone becomes responsible for the education of our children (parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbors).
February 17th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
It is kind of scary when you think about not having a job, because one person or animated person could teach about some concept and it is copied and sent across the internet. Well for now I hope parents and students still like that personal touch they get from a live teacher.