Symposium Of Reason : Blogging In The 21st Century
[ image : telegraph.co.uk ]
[image : Derek ]
[image : gwegner]
So what would have happened to substantiate Al Upton to implement an ‘Order For Closure’ by the very organisation who employ him to realise the most important part of his teaching career ?
Perceived departmental derision ? A mis-informed RSS jury ? Plain stupidity ?
It would seem that the conversation ensuing now points at policy development likely to substantiate more cease and desist manadates destined to feed wikio-news fodder.
Quite frankly, the decision to target Al is a low act. Evil in intent some may suggest, however, I’d say enacted with little or no regard for the countless hours Al has collaboratively engaged his worldwide network.
It’s a slap in the face for the tens of thousands of readers that will have heard of the Mini Legends…..how apt in light of their present circumstance. To the countless debates with educators in a global context over what constitutes safe and legal blogging respecting the rights of children, parents, organisations and nations alike.
Yet, here we have a brilliant opportunity to demystify just exactly what RSS means, what a login and password actually prevent others from doing, what an open discourse encorages and protects as opposed to a walled garden of “civilised” intranet behaviour and most importantly a great opportunity to engage in exactly what can be done to support eduactors anywhere when faced with the same stress Al’s be put under.
I’m seeking some form of symposium to bring together those involved in this faracas and get some reason amongst what appears to be a feeding frenzy of inuendo and media shmaz. Something within ( or without ) to bring light to an otherwise darkened edict. Voices that stand up and be counted beyond a semi-considered comment of solidarity.
Who thinks Al deserves the chance to consider his own future informed, supported and referenced ( physically augmenting the virtual ) in an international context, bringing faces to the forum which would otherwise seek to derail and discredit his and ten of thousands of other networked learning educators ?
Add your name to the TALO wiki here – I’m looking for 100 voices that will join me on May 2nd 2008 in Adelaide ( May 1st in the States ) – thanks to Sheryl NussbaumBeach we have a 100 seat Elluminate room to bring you all in.
In Al’s words;
” It is my desire that commonsense based on hard evidence will lead to openness, flexibility and consistency – Al Upton ”
Lets ensure he has a wide range of opinion and surely commonsense will prevail. It appears via Al’s blog that the first steps are in place ;
These are two distinct arenas of what is currently occuring.
It is very important that my students, parents, site and employer (DECS) are in no way made to feel responsible. Support (not negativity) for us all will be more effective in determining mutually beneficial outcomes regarding student learning using 21st Century technologies. Respect, trust and empathy is what will triumph. Thank you for all that has been afforded to me here.
Cheers, Al