Both Shirky and Benkler directly touch on this question, and the argument has been made from both sides as to whether or not the Internet can or will ultimately democratize education.
What are the implications of democratizing education via the Internet for our profession? And to what degree do you think it is possible? What are the various forces at play in the ISD/HPT world, and is there similar interest, passion, and whatever else it takes to harness the Internet for changing power and access in the realm of education in the same ways we've read about the Internet's effects on politics and social realms?
This in an interesting yet challenging question. I may be a victim of my generation and experience, but I don't see a full blown democratization of education through Web 2.0. What I do believe is possible for the voices of students, parents, citizens, etc. to have a larger voice than they do today, which IMO is minimal. That can be accomplished through the internet / Web 2.0 quite easily if the power brokers will simply allow it. Our world is centered on having elected decision makers and in the case of education, institutional decision makers as well. I don't envision a radical overhaul; however, like private companies that poll their customers to help improve products and services, the educational establishment can adapt that approach and be better for it. Technology can be the conduit . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment