I just found this post from Miguel Guhlin, which contains great irony. He writes about how Web2.0 gives power to teachers in a way that is disruptive to the status quo, and argues that to effect real change we must decide what we stand for, withstand the pressures of the system, and work to change the system. Then he uses a quote in which I am doing just this to argue that I’m not, and to say I’m making a sweeping generalization. Here’s the excerpt from his post:

Consider that some–like Mark Ahlness–are saying not to blame teachers for holding back on adopting these technologies, and instead, passing the buck to administrators. But, then you read statements like this one…we can’t make sweeping generalizations of teachers or administrators. The truth is more complex.

At times, teachers are so afraid they don’t allow students to contribute their own knowledge as they learn. I’m issuing a very provocative call in my next two speaking engagements in May to have students directly contribute to the spectroscopy wiki, and to do it in a manner that simulates peer-reviewed publishing in journals.

Source: Using Wikis in Education

Administrators are passing the buck to teachers or legislators…as people are playing the blame game, it becomes even more important for each of us to live by principle.

Now here’s my issue with this: I’m doing exactly what Miguel describes – deciding what I stand for, and making an impact – and he uses my quote to say that’s not the case, and that I’m simply making a sweeping generalization about teachers. Frankly, if I spent time explaining all the nuances when I wrote that sentence, it would take away from the point to be made.

Let’s review what my quote actually meant: The first two words – At times, – disqualify this as a sweeping generalization. The next part – teachers are so afraid they don’t allow students to contribute their own knowledge as they learn – is meant to illustrate the result of the external pressure to satisfy politicians, and the historical inability of technology to be straighforward and easy to use. That’s what brings on the fear. The third part – I’m issuing a very provocative call in my next two speaking engagements – stay tuned