"Sure - Google stuff, but now do something with it."

I've just watched a thought provoking webcast published by TechRepublic which absolutely nails the issues facing 21st Century educators. It explains clearly how contexts have changed and continue to do so without bamboozling the viewer with educational jargon. It is particularly good at how contexts have changed and evolved over the last twenty years and:

 - how education and employment has shifted to contribution not consumption; the speakers are pretty acerbic when it comes to the failings of "teaching to the test." ( Can't fail to agree with that, how many teachers resent having to teach to the test but feel unable to break free of the restraints and expectations of a hierarchical system rooted deeply in summative performance. It would be a 
brave teacher indeed who is prepared to risk exam performance in the short 
term.) 

 - the differences between online and offline learning and the issues arising from the continuing passive nature of online education.

 - the conflict between the mastery of core skills and web-based learning - can the two co-exist as a merged approach through project based work?

Favourite quote

"...sure....Google stuff, but now do something with it..." Christopher Dawson. Contributor to ZDNet and WizIQ
   

From the website www.techrepublic.com

How Do We Prepare Students for a Global Knowledge Economy?:

"With highly technical jobs vanishing overseas, and manufacturing jobs that once dominated our economy now but a vague memory, we're left to wonder what today's students will find when they enter the job market. The answer: They will find a knowledge economy in which creativity and ingenuity reign supreme. Off-shoring programming and development is easy and often makes economic sense; off-shoring innovation isn't easy and is where our students will need to shine." Introduction to ZDNet webcast