Disparitational thinking

I am currently taking a class to help me to understand and manipulate such things as blogs, wikis and areas like "Second Life" as tool for teaching. I have already thought of mmany applications for these tools. However, one of our folk observed that in terms of things like using some of these tools may be effective for some and affective for most, in terms of global application. While it's very cool to talk to or perform for a school via video-link, it requires the requisite technology to "make it so". I'm a theatre teacher who has the technology to do live performances for and see same from anyone possessing the compatible equipment.

The point here is the clear disparity between those with access via decent computers and those without, widens the gap in the process we are looking to as being a possible future rubric. It was pointed out that there was a theoretical goal of of "every child , one computer", but the practical logistics are staggering. In support of such an ideal, It feels like that if there were true dialogue among peoples, there would be little need for armed conflict. This of course is a socialist idea. Any, shall we say regime or following of an ideology not truly representing it's peoples will and can not allow such a threat. The very suspicion of ideas and education is an anathema to the thinking of the "haves" or those in the power chairs. I would think that this might even have detractors within our own nation, as the various polar factions could not permit the free exchange of ideas lest someone become a "convert". We cannot let them eat cake. Here, do the "liberals" allow those who disagree with their thinking the opportunity to really reach out and be heard? The term"liberal" is supposed to mean openhanded, open minded. Do we actually live that? Question: if we were in daily communication with Iraqi citizens and vice-versa, and by extension, if they were in communication between their own factions, what might be the result? Unthinkable. The Jews, Muslims and Christians had been working it out for a while in Jerusalem and Gaza until outside aggression based on ancient vendetta and "religious" concepts became reality. Jihad, while listed as the 6th pillar of Islam, is not in the Qur'an as such unless defined as the struggle against oneself seeking the way of God and the struggle against the oppression of the unbeliever. Qur'an is very specific about not destroying the women, children and other non-combatants. The Bible maintains much the same, and yet we seem to be on the 5th Crusade, without the "religious" precept. Gotta be control of power and the petro-deity. So, Irant, Irack my brain, I find little of comfort in the progress of high technocracy.

I don't think that it is a goal that not an incredible vision. I just worry that the televangelists and taliban-istas of all ilks will fight to the death, (yours) to prevent that kind of free exchange.

Color me a bit pessimistic as a 52 year old proto-geez.

But, may the light shine on your day.

g-gone

warm here in the mid-south, might rain later

class for non-digital natives

So, here I am in class in mid to late summer.
Learning the stuff we digital immigrants are needing for effective facilititation for todays students.
The concept of global research as necessary to basic"literacy" to serve as the verification of "fact" is somewaht boggling.
It was pointed out that it's not necessarily that the current students are more facile with today's access, it's just that they have never not known it. I witnessed that when my then 3 year old (now 16) was completely comfortable with a mouse.
It is also being pointed out that there is an incerasing difference in actual brain function in the youngsters, the tweens and we older folk; both in speed and actual location of the processing itself within the "tiny grey cells".

Dude.