Preaching and Practice

*Beware- metaphor of Will as a Blogvangelist carried throughout this post* :)
*Second warning- Ranting to follow*
So, I am sitting here as just mentioned in my last post in a day of discussion around Web 2.0.
'Brother' Will just delivered his message on the shifting of the world due to technology and where we are in education. (or better to say where we are NOT).
He was 'preaching to the choir' and our many amens were heard.
He suggested that as we, the converted, helped to convert others eventually it will change education.
The real problem is that everyone is looking to someone else to get this started. Peter over on Ed Tech Journeys has also recognized the spinning of Ed Tech Blogs. So who is going to help the change truly happen?
It seems that the practices are what need to change, this is a tough process and should not be glossed over. BUT, the commitment has to be there too.
Perhaps we need to start creating models of real learning as Will is starting to do with his own kids.
Just a thought,
J : )

Web 2.0 take 2

I talked about the projects surrounding Web 2.0 that I am involved with in my last post. Today is very interesting for me. I woke up early so that I could catch-up on my online course for using Web 2.0. Our conversation on the discussion boards in that course, using Moodle, we talked about some exciting options, but spent a lot of time discussing the barriers to really moving this forward in a region or state. The key to this was that the energy within this course is around how do we help people participate in this type of technology and convince them to use it. This is a very specific way of addressing change. How do we, as those who get it, change those who don't get it. Now don't misunderstand, I feel that there is a place still for almost any type of interaction, but this is about a mindset--- a way of thinking. So why does this type of course still exist? Quite simply, the technology has made possible for new types of learning. However, we were trained in a certain way of learning. So this is a very appropriate way to structure a learning experience....for now...
....but.....
Here I am sitting in another type of experience. This is the launch day for Powerful Learning Practices. this is the launch day for a year-long experience. What are we doing? We have invited those who are passionate about teaching and learning AND are willing to change. Those were the requirements...not to know already, but to be passionate and willing to learn. So what is the approach here? A group of well-networked individuals are going to lead an experience to help others to develop their own learning networks. Yes, there are sessions on how to ... (as I said we still need this), but what has been continually said is that this is just to experience/view the tools. The real learning how to use it will come later and then there will be online resources to truly deliver the just in time learning.
So--- what am I seeing? The new learning is now driven by people who are passionate, willing to learn and connect with others. The change is from people who connect, not people who know and teach other's in a linear, specific pattern.
So now how do we connect? The truth of the matter is that those who are truly passionate want to talk and interact regarding their passion. I challenge myself and others to truly begin to connect.
So less of an exploration of eLearning and more exploring how we begin to change the way we address and learn about it.
Keep exploring,
J : )