tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18676377.post-77102171033551910922008-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:002008-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:002008-04-27T21:47:00.000-07:00Really great job organizing this rather large subject into a very engaging and thought-provoking article. The idea of a true paradigm shift when thinking and talking about “education” and “learning”---in that the age-old (and rather illusory) distinction between school and “real life” is ready to give way, thankfully---is truly exciting. Everything one does in life is a real and potential learning experience, covering a wide range of domains of thoughts, skills, and interests; even though many “disciplines” have been distilled into separate tracks and taught via traditional instruction (and that many people seem to consider this the embodiment of “education”), this should not take away from the idea that life-long learning is everywhere and in everything we do, and the relative importance of each should not be so casually ranked. <BR/><BR/>As we have seen, there are countless examples of extraordinary individuals and achievements, and many had little or nothing to do with typical education or with “book learning”. Even this term seems old-fashioned now, since books are but one of the many forms of communication and production which are readily available today---and particularly with the participatory elements, these forms truly have unlimited learning and networking possibilities. Putting them to use for learning (in whatever forms we choose) is definitely the future of education...the transformation of the concept of intelligence itself, as well as the transformation of the individual.<BR/><BR/>The list with “From the lecture to the hallway” was really right on. It’s so interesting how words can convey so many things, especially when combined in certain ways---or when arranged into a structure like this. It was so easy to get an overall gist of the ideas in such a quick read and the comparisons were striking. From my experience, really great teachers are facilitators as much as lecturers, and many times something they say quite off-handedly has really made a positive impact on my thought processes and worldview. Along those lines, encouraging words have such an important effect upon one’s work, their motivation, and their self-image; this is right in line with collaboration and discussion, not just from a “teacher” to a “student”, but in groups and online as well. Being able to connect with other people and their ideas, as well as be able to question and comment, is an incredible tool for learning and discovery, and these days it allows so many people to experience in the interchange by reading the results. This is but one of the truly world-changing elements inherent in Web 2.0, and for any life-long learner (as we all are), provides limitless possibilities. It’s fascinating to watch it evolve.seejayjameshttp://www.third-space-mind.com/max/portfolio_2point5_website/index.htmnoreply@blogger.com