On Tue, 2003-12-02 at 11:00, Colin McQueen wrote:
"Chris Puttick"
wrote:
... I believe however that any such curriculum development will have to be seen as emanating from teachers (if nothing else because otherwise the unions will never back it), regardless of who else is involved.
I agree with this but there has to be people with decision making power onside as well. -- Colin McQueen This is a fascinating and important discussion, and I want to say that Schoolforge-UK was expressly set up to give practical expression to the
[-snip-] positive thrust of this argument. I want to add three things: Firstly, the Schoolforge-UK Wiki at http://www.schoolforge.org.uk provides a means for all of us to collaborate in building a more forward-looking IT curriculum - that's exactly the kind of task it was created for. (I'm probably the harshest critic of the SF-UK web site, and if anyone finds it difficult to use, please contact me directly. Like so many things IT-related, it's easy when you know how...) Secondly, Ian is doing a fantastic job in providing us with the opportunity to influence MPs and the "powers that be" about the case for FLOSS in education. Please register for the FLOSSIE conference on 18th February *now* - see: http://www.schoolforge.org.uk/flossie/conference200402.html Lastly, anyone who grieves that the "powers that be" seem not to be open to this discussion should read Prof. Hargreaves' article in The Independent last year: http://education.independent.co.uk/schools/story.jsp?story=419155 Prof. Hargreaves is Chairman of Becta, and will be giving the keynote address at the conference. See you there! -- John Ingleby ************ aka Admin - Schoolforge-UK