Will Richardson recently commented on some personal frustrations with the limited uptake and impact of the social software tools: "And so I’m still trying to figure out where the best spend of my time and energy is in terms of helping to bring real change into the conversation" (be sure to follow the extensive discussion in the comments section).
This brings to mind Stephen Downes' post on the reactions of digg.com members when the site took down an article to avoid a lawsuit. The community responding by expressing their intentions. For me, this experience exemplifies the nature of our debate today. In a democracy, not everyone exercises the right to vote. The tools which enable everyone to express their views/thoughts similarily aren't going to be used by everyone. Perhaps only a small percentage integrate them into their teaching practices. It is freedom that defines a society - the ability for openness is the premise that drives all aspects of a system. Those who do not care to vote, podcast, blog, or whatever, still benefit from the availability of those options to everyone. The fact that education systems are grappling with openness is an important step...fortunately (and sadly, as we see with declining voter participation), not eveyone needs to participate to benefit.
Posted by gsiemens at May 3, 2007 11:29 AM | TrackBack