July 21, 2006 Trevor Doerksen

We did a teleconference (Skype to cell phone) with Trevor and he discussed the changes in communication and what he referred to as the new normal. I not only found that he kept my attention by not restricting his thought to the proverbial box with his statements about the direction of technology in schools and how kids are already connected, but also his view on the direction of the schools in regard to technology and computers (all computers on same platform). I was quite intrigued by the thought that kids have more information available to them in a simple IPod than the Supernet and the costs/benefit of both. Why do we choose certain directions over others and how can Alberta, and Canada for that matter, catch up to incorporate what the kids are already doing with the education that they must get. His idea that information is a commodity begs me to ask the question about the role of teachers, and are they, as Trevor mentioned, meant to teach kids how to learn and to communicate rather than content.

I am seeing some real connection between the communication that we expect from our students (and that they expect from us) and techno gadgets to aid the process. I work with adult students and some, not all, have access to some really neat devices and have experienced some interesting tools. I have plans to incorporate some of the devices (cell phones, blackberries, IPods etc.) within our class and try to demonstrate different methods of communication. One of my goals is to encourage the use of technology within certain classes and to increase students’ comfort level with them.