The era we are in is the most fast-changing era in the history of humankind, I believe. Being ... ah... over (shall we say) 45?... means that it takes fortitude and courage for me to embrace this new technological age with gusto. It also defines and delineates where many of us are in our lives. There are continuums that can be used. For example: are you more of a rural person or an urban person? Are you a pitcher or a catcher? Are you Classical or Romantic? One can imagine moving to stand somewhere on that continuum. Well, today we could also say, "Are you more digital or analog?" The "a" word seems to denote antiquity or, at best, that which is outdated and old-fashioned. But even those of us who may be more "analog" can and do get excited by the possibilities presented by this digital age.
And so we must educate our children to prepare them for a life in our modern society; information literacy becomes paramount to that education. It must start in the elementary school and progress throughout life. The more formal instruction easily fits into the primary, secondary and post-secondary education systems, but it must also reach beyond to our adults. It may mean that we must rethink our definition of education. Students must take more responsibility in grasping these ideas. Teachers must use all practical means to impress upon students the need and desirability of mastering these technologies and valuing the cooperation. Collaboration with others through this communication helps one learn the power of compromise and creative problem-solving as well as valuing the common good.
Friday, September 28, 2007
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