I came across this site Thinkfinity.org today which has been set up by the Verizon Foundation in the US. My curiosity stemmed from the very narrow debate of literacy in Australia to read/write and think, to a rich world in which technology opens up many more literacy options and a brave new world for our learners to comprehend and live.
What was interesting about this site was the vast amount of resources that they have been able to bring together for learners and teachers and to focus on the ‘unlimited’ potential that technology can bring. I was pleased to see that not only were the resources content focussed but also contained tools that were directed at enabling kids to think, hopefully at higher orders of thinking. Their lesson plans were comprehensive, but still very much instructor led, although I am sure that good teachers would never use such lesson plans verbatim!!
What also interested me is that Verizon would even do this? What a fantastic way for Industry to contibute to their own future by ensuring that learners are highly educated and have relevant skills for the 21st century. In Australia, we do not have the same sense of philanthropic responsibility….maybe there are tax breaks…I don’t know…but if education and Industry could work together in a coordinated way I am sure this would bring great benefit to society as a whole. BTW, there are some very good activities being undertaken in Australia (eg Microsoft’s PIL program, Intel’s Teach) but I wonder how we can make sure that the impact of these initiatives can be felt across the whole education and training sector.
Post a Comment