In transit and surrounded by a myriad of nationalities
Pilgrims to Mecca
Russians to Moscow
In transit and surrounded by a myriad of nationalities
Pilgrims to Mecca
Russians to Moscow
Posted in Notes from Conferences
With just a few hours before I head out for my 15 hour journey westward, a few thoughts come to mind about my work here in Doha, Qatar
I’ve been part of an international think-tank helping ICT Qatar develop a strategy and report on how best to introduce, distribute and integrate digital content into K-12 education in Qatar, as well as other Gulf nations.
As is always the case, there’s a tension between how an such a project integrates with other efforts to improve teaching and learning in this rapidly industrializing and internationalizing society. The growth curve and paradigm here is extreme – I can see it and hear it even from the 7th floor of my hotel as I watch the endless construction of The Pearl – a man-made archipelago / residential development.
So the question becomes how an ICT (or ed tech) strategy both pushes, and is pushed by, wider changes in a national education system. We’ve learned a great deal about the contexts of my collaborators from Australia, Finland, Scotland and the UK. One consistent takeaway is the need to recognize and embrace the social value of teaching profession within an particular national context.
The challenge here, then, will be whether the route followed is one which locates an ICT/ed tech strategy within an educational reform movement, or whether it’s grafted onto the existing schools and systems.
Another way to consider this is to ponder the parable of the ice rink in the Villagio Mall, located near downtown Doha. A wonderful sight to see – indoor skating in the desert, but is it real or a mirage?
Posted in Notes from Conferences
Google knows I’m here
Later, on our first day, a visit to the Museum of Islamic Arts followed by a visit to The Pearl, made me wonder how we juxtapose such radical divergent notions of ancient and modern/futuristic.
On the one hand we witness glorious 10th century tiles and artifacts, and then are whisked down The Corniche to visit the showroom for the yet-to-be-constructed Pearl.
How do we make sense of both?
Posted in Notes from Conferences
I’m heading due east tomorrow, and then almost due south, flying first to London and then onto Doha, Qatar, where I will be participating in an international think-tank focusing on digital content for K-12 education.
Thrilled to be going, a bit harried, and wanting to make sure I don’t anything or any ideas behind!
Posted in New Roads
passport document scans – Fujitsu
stress killing learning… being in a space where your knowledge treads out onto thin ice
benchmark the audience – quick pic of toast preferences
how would you like to know coupled with what would you like to know… differentiation of information delivery systems
difference bingo
re-appropriation of platforms and delivery systems. Facebook homework
sensory matrix very cool
learning event generator
legal questions — first time mentioned
active interactions with the dominant media of our time
challenge/constraint/tools
media industry… what about public media??
making digital concrete – mixmashsetform
Posted in Notes from Conferences
Tagged Audacity, difference bingo, Differentiated Information, John Davitt