Reflection Post

overall, it was tempting to bristle a bit at the notion of Harvard MBA's giving pat educational advice about our broken system. However, in the introduction--and continuing throughout the book-- they allay some of these concerns by taking some of the traditional and long-standing criticims of schools and playing devil's advocate against them. Structurally, this gives them a bit of credence for reader-educators.

I agree with the authors that simply "cramming" computers into our classrooms is not the solution. This approach was part of the model in South Dakota--begun with good intentions with the Governor's wiring projects in the late 90's, but really following the path described by the authors.

While i agree in part with the disruptive model for deployment of the computers, I'm not sure about the emphasis and somewhat wholesale buy-in into online courses. I would echo Mile-High's concerns that they are just as good as traditional models. I look at my own students who are taking online courses, and the patterns they fall into: figure out the bare minimum to read, take the quizzes with friends, and if there's discussion, bland affirmations to get the points.

But...stuff like this is good to read. While i think we've gotten away from the commercial system of material buy-in discussed on p128--most of us are going far beyond that now--status quo is comfortable. Outside perspectives can always help.

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Reflection Post

I realized that the author is banking on online courses to replace a significant number traditionally taught courses. This simply will not take place to the extent he claims: 50%. This would mean that online courses are as effective as courses taught in a traditional sense.

I think that the possibilities of individualization are increased when technology is used in an intelligent way.

I disagree with the belief that using computers does not only change the way we go about teaching and learning, but it also should effect what we teach. The idea was proposed of why we teach something that a computer or software can produce in fraction of the time. I want my Doctor and Pharmacists to take their math and science classes with a professor and not online using a program to skate through college algebra.

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The BBs of Wealth