Confused?...You will be!

Extract from Times Online Technology and Web News section

People are scared of technology. Not all, but many. People feel they don't know what's going on, they don't know what they can and can't do and they don't know where it is all leading. We're always being told that things are getting simpler to use and easier to work with, but alongside that is that it is the feeling that it is getting easier to break the law, or that maybe the law doesn't apply online or.... It is little wonder people are confused when they go to a webpage such as the Times Online Technology and Web News section. Copyright is dead, but illegal downloaders will be banned and anyway you're using obsolete new technology so you might as well not bother! All part of the fun I guess!

Comments

Lots of testing, very little learning.

"I don't understand why I have to do all these tests. I mean, it's not as if I'm learning anything." These were the words of my son, a few days ago. My son is in P7, his final year of primary school, and so far his year has been blighted. Blighted by tests, dozens and dozens of them. Blighted by the incessant, soul destroying grind that is the transfer test, formerly known as the 11 plus. Since Easter, the entire focus of his schooling has been working towards the transfer test in November. The intensity is building up. First practice tests completed in April, May, June. Then, the summer revision pack, "just to keep his eye in". And now he's in P7, all systems are go: 2 practice tests a week, another to do at home at weekends. When he's not doing a practice test, he's reviewing a completed practice test or practising for the next practice test. The tests he does are either numeracy or literacy or both and that is all he does; day in, day o...

Just saying...

I found myself perusing Microsoft's Innovative Education Forum website earlier today to see what was what and I thought I'd have a quick look at the FAQs. And then I came across Question 12... Now, I'm not making a major point here, but it just jarred somewhat to see these restrictions placed on a conference aimed at celebrating innovation. Not even a sneaky wee photo of a key note speaker to pop onto Flickr or a handy flip video of a top demonstration to share on YouTube??? Wouldn't that create a bit of buzz and excitement? Guess we'll never know! Hmmm....

Call me a pedant...

Alastair Darling spoke on Eddie Mair's show on Radio 4 this evening. He was talking about the steps George Osborne is taking to address the banking system and its perceived problems. In relation to these steps, Mr Darling said that "no banking system can ever be safe" but that any steps being taken should be intended to "make the system safer". Clearly this makes no sense. If the system cannot be safe, then surely it cannot therefore be SAFER ie more safe. Call me a pedant Mr Darling, but I think you meant that the steps would make the system less unsafe. I just hope I haven't made any spelling or grammatical errors in this post! That is all...

Shifting Expectations

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