The World is Flat - Up Close and Personal
I recently traveled to Shanghai, China to present at the International Schools' Learning 2.0 conference. I was part of a presentation team that included such names as Alan November, Jamie McKenzie, Will Richardson, Gary Stager, Wes Fryer, and Chris Shambles. If you would like to know more about the conference itself search the learn2cn tag or visit Will, Wes, Jeff Utecht (conference organizer) or my blog as we each have posted about the event in detail.
However, this post is about my experiences and reflections in Shanghai that occurred after the conference while exploring the city with Wes and his wife Shelly, Will, Jeff, and my 21 year old son Noah. I have had the opportunity to travel and present in many different places around the world, but Shanghai stands out because of the contrast to what I had expected with what I experienced first hand. And as my son Noah put it, "...the sheer admiration for what they have accomplished in just ten years."
In 1992, Deng Xiaoping declared that Shanghai would be “the head of the dragon” pulling China into the future trying to compete with Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore as Asia's pre-eminent financial capital. As a result Shanghai went into "go mode" and has built nonstop. During my recent visit, it wasn't unusual to hear hammering and the sounds of construction through the night and early morning. Until I went to Shanghai, the busiest city I had ever seen was New York, but NY pales in comparison. Shanghai is a constant source of movement, smells, and stimulation. Everyone has a smile on their face and seems genuinely interested in who you are and why you are visiting.
Sadly, at least to me, the cosmopolitan Shanghai has come at a price. Most of the old town neighborhoods have been or are scheduled to be demolished to make room for the high rises. The contrast between the skyscrapers and what is left of the colonial Shanghai was unnerving.
Buildings and Commerce Everywhere
At an astonishing 1,385 feet, a visit to the top of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower is a memory I will keep with me for years to come. Jeff, Will, Wes, Shelly, Noah and I took the elevator to the top floor to look out over the city. All of us shot pictures as we scurried from window to window looking out in amazement, as far as the eye could see there were buildings.
The building was completed in 1999 and is the highest in the world, at least until the 101-story World Financial Center (WFC) next door is finished in 2008.
The two buildings in the center of this photo are the Jin Mao and WFC.
The completed building will look like this- a female match to the male feel of the Jin Mao Tower.
The Hotel
When we first arrived we stayed at the Ramada and the feel was very much like it is in the states with the exception of service. These amazing people were so humble, so eager to serve, so kind. We were encouraged not to tip, which really was a struggle for me, as the service - at least in comparison to the states- deserved tipping. The walk to the school where the conference was held was clean and had a real progressive feel. I could have just as easily been in Miami.
After the conference, Wes Fryer and I moved to the Magnificent Hotel and Will Richardson bunked at Jeff Utecht's home. It was not as luxurious as the Ramada but the price was right- $56 per night US. My main complaint was that somehow Wes got wireless and I didn't. So while Wes and Will were twittering, Skyping, and blogging, I was building a deeper relationship with my son. Not a bad payoff, although I must admit, I had serious withdrawal from being disconnected during a time when I had so much to say.
A Place with a View
The view from Jeff's apartment is stunning. Because the exchange rate in China is about 8-1, teachers are able to live very comfortably with massage, domestic help, and other such amenities becoming just part of everyday life.
Shopping and Life in Shanghai
I have spent a considerable amount of time in Belize and Guatemala, so I understand the concept of bartering a price. However, I have never watched a fellow American handle the negotiations with the skill and sense of humor that Jeff Utecht did. I so wish we had recorded the conversation Jeff, Wes, and the "Rolex" watch owner had over the purchase Wes was "considering." It was so entertaining. Turns out that watches like this have 34 days when it is Daylight Savings time. What a hoot!
I am not much for shopping, not even in the states. My idea of torture is the local mall at Christmas. But I did enjoy shopping for pearls. I think because it was a bit like a hunt. We had to find the right dealer, then Jeff taught me to tell the differences in quality, then I hand picked the ones I wanted, negotiated a price, and watched the dealer and her mother hand string and knot each pearl. We struck up a conversation sharing parts of each other's lives while she was stringing the necklaces and it made the event very meaningful. The fact that I was hand picking these necklaces for my daughter's wedding party gift only added to the specialness of the event.
Hungry Anyone?
Like any good adventure we ate our way across Shanghai. The food was amazing. There are basically two kinds of eating experiences in Shanghai: street food and restaurant experiences. Noah and I had come to China with the idea that we would be trying exotic dishes that would earn us bragging rights at home. We come from a family where food is at the center of everything we do. However, the food we ate in Shanghai had a familiar feel and was simply delicious, especially the vegetarian dishes.
The street food was most compelling. Because of the tight living conditions and limited privacy, in many neighborhoods life spills over into the streets. It isn't unusual to see folks cooking and lounging on the curbs near their homes. It didn't seem that finding food was as difficult for the poor in Shanghai as it is here in the states.
We were treated to excellent meals in restaurants that had five star service. The food and conversation and was amazing.
Summing It Up
So what did I take away from the experience? What about having presented in a non-English speaking country impacted who I am and what I believe?
1. It is one thing to say the world is flat and another thing all together to experience it up close and personal. When I keynoted in New Zealand, I expected to see certain things and pretty much my expectations were met. I remember realizing how flat the world really is while in NZ in that as educators we were all concerned with very similar things. However, Shanghai was more profound. I talk about globalization, I even quote "Did You Know" and share how countries like China and India, which have long histories of embracing education, now have the means to connect their most educated citizens in meaningful ways through outsourcing. What I didn't realize was that the culture of Shanghai was such that it could easily equal the US as a super power in a few years. The images of quaint temples and extreme oppression I had when I arrived have been replaced with images of a thriving metropolis and a very entrepreneurial citizenry.
2. One of the topics I present on regularly is homelessness. I found myself struggling with the issue of the homeless in Shanghai. It is obvious the homeless exist by the sheer number of homes being demolished to make way for skyscrapers. Everyone I asked about it said they didn't know much about the homeless. Often they were referred to as migrants. Because of the scale of construction being done, large numbers of
migrants come from rural areas to the city in search of work. Many
end up begging on the streets. China's migrant population is currently put at 130
million, including 50 million registered as temporary residents in
urban areas. Shanghai, with a total population of nine million, has a floating population of some three million migrants. It was disconcerting that Human rights issues seem to be swept under the rug in Shanghai.
I only personally saw a few of individuals I knew were homeless, a couple children and a woman my age. She and I exchanged glances, then she looked with beautiful eyes deep into my soul. I offered her money, she humbly took it bowing over and over with her hands folded saying please, please. I will never forget her or the guilt I felt for my station in life as compared with hers. Many approached you in Shanghai asking for money but usually in exchange for a product. Where are those migrants? How are they getting by?
3. I decided while in Shanghai that all teacher preparation programs should have required International travel for all preservice teachers. In today's changing times a teacher needs to understand first hand the flatness of the world in which their students will be living out their lives. I also feel that virtual learning communities that build and extend relationships with people around the world will become increasingly more important as we move further into the 21st Century. Connections and collaborations as a way of understanding and accepting different cultures will become as important as sharing content expertise.
I am grateful for having visited Shanghai. As I watched my son Noah trade translations of various words on the plane as he sat next to a non English speaking Chinese woman, I was struck with how very similar we all really are. She sat with her Chinese to English dictionary in her lap and Noah with his English to Chinese and together they experimented with learning each other's language. The learning was "just in time," passion driven, and obtained in a way that will mean more to both of them than any formal class they could have taken in their respective countries.
The challenge for all educators will be to replicate that kind of authentic learning in the sterile environments of our classrooms. A point which for me, illuminates why becoming multiliterate and using electronic communication tools should be standard fare in a Learning 2.0 world.
Comments
Sheryl, I was a bit surprised with your "take aways". I thought that the lead paragraphs were leading us to a different place, perhaps a stance on the differences between what emerging westernized cultures are pushing regarding education/technology and the growing group of individuals who are struggling to survive. There's certainly a strong contrast in your post here, visually and in the text.
So, I guess, my bigger question is how do educators (or specifically the educational technologists) take all of what we know in web 2.0 to promote social justice and a world that is truly flat? Although there is a real sense of positive change here, even within the class of cultures, it still screams oppression and colonialism to me, although just through different mechanisms this time.
I'm certainly not an expert on Asia, but I'm left both excited by the possibilities and worried about the future, especially when it comes to growing homelessness and class division.
But then again, I can't go downtown in my own North American city without feeling the same thing.
Thanks for sharing your experience here!
Posted by: Alec Couros | September 23, 2007 9:19 PM
Sheryl. I was very touched by this post. I appreciate that you helped transport me there with you for a brief moment in my mind. I traveled a lot when I was a child overseas. I think every person should have the opportunity to visit overseas. It changes your view of the world so much.
I just started reading "The World is Flat," so I think you did indeed experience what he is talking about in person. You are so lucky to have taken your son with you.
The world is definitely small and technology is connecting us more and more. It is wonderful to find commonalities and ways to connect. In many ways we are very similar, but yet, in many ways, cultures can be very different.
One thing for sure, it gives us an appreciation for what we do have here in the United States. We can all learn from one another. Thank you for sharing the "take aways." I had been looking forward to them! :)
Tina
Posted by: Tina Steele | September 23, 2007 10:30 PM
Sheryl, I think your suggestion that all pre-service teachers be required to travel internationally is spot-on. I would be satisfied--as a first step--with having all novice teachers travel to other states and schools in different social settings. Our teacher preparation programs and field experiences are often insular, even jingoistic; education in America does not lead to an appreciation of global diversity, as we are more focused on political dominance and competition.
Sounds like a fantastic trip. Traveling in Korea, we also noticed the unwillingness of Koreans to acknowledge gaps in the economy or a lower class. There was enormous pride, energy and striving, and a willingness to endure hardship today for a better tomorrow. I think that's the biggest difference between growing Asian economies and America--in America, there isn't much patience with delayed gratification, just entitlement. That applies to schools and students, too.
Fascinating post.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Flanagan | September 23, 2007 10:41 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your experience; how wonderful that you could share it with your son! I am so grateful for technology, as it afforded me the opportunity to experience your trip vicariously. I wish that I had traveled before becoming a teacher. We have just established a media room at our school with a large screen TV and surround sound to provide students the ability to experience on virtual field trips what they may never see in person.
Posted by: Betty Larkin | September 23, 2007 11:20 PM
Thank you for the trip! What fun to travel vicariously! Two points you made stick out for me. One - I recently returned from New York City where I visited my son, the starving actor. Visiting a city like that from the perspective of someone who lives there (and not from a swanky hotel and a couple of nights seeing shows), I left agitated by all the movement and noise. I was so happy to see my yard and grass! To hear that Shanghai is busier than NYC is unbelievable to me. And you say there are buildings as far as the eye can see. Do they have a "Central Park?" Also, you mentioned that all preservice teachers should travel abroad. Interestingly, we hired three new teachers this year - one spent the summer in Spain, one in South Africa, and the other in seven different countries in Europe. The enrichment that these teachers bring our students is immeasurable. I agree that international travel should be a requirement for preservice teachers, and once the policy is in effect, they should send the rest of us retroactively! Thanks for the beautiful description!
Posted by: Cindi Rigsbee | September 24, 2007 1:35 AM
Your photos of the city really strike that cord in me that all big cities look alike regardless of their geographical location. They are structured so much the same way and struggle with similar problems...
I also echo your belief that we learn to use technology in ways that bridge the geographical gaps between us. Help us bring the world into a smaller focus. Certainly the things I've learned from being a part of a virtual learning community within mostly the USA have been amazing. While my locale is so different from colleagues, we struggle in many of the same ways over the same sticking points in curriculum!!!! Isn't that unexpected but delightful?
Thanks for this close up view of a beautiful city. Especially since I can't imagine I'll ever get to lay my own eyes on the place, it's a great way to travel along with someone else.
Posted by: Marsha Ratzel | September 24, 2007 3:18 AM
Alec said, "So, I guess, my bigger question is how do educators (or specifically the educational technologists) take all of what we know in web 2.0 to promote social justice and a world that is truly flat?"
That is a profound question. And then there is the question is our sense of social justice "true" justice when applied to other cultures?
I share your mixed emotions Alec. I was humbled, amazed, and saddened. I couldn't explain it to my son. There just seemed to be a story that wasn't being told- one that Web 2.0 tools could help tell if put in the hands of those who need voice the most.
Thanks for your post and for caring about how we can use technology to make the world a better place.
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 24, 2007 12:47 PM
Tina,
While together in China, the group I was traveling with discussed the benefits for children who travel while they are young.
I think we could develop more empathetic citizens if exposure to other cultures from a very young age was part of the curriculum. We do not have any reason not to give our students those experiences any longer with the participatory medias we have available. Don't you agree?
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Nancy said, "Our teacher preparation programs and field experiences are often insular, even jingoistic; education in America does not lead to an appreciation of global diversity, as we are more focused on political dominance and competition."
I do agree with that statement but I think with the current economic, societal, and cultural trends we are going to see things start to shift.
I believe the shift will be hastened by this generation of kids who have a passion for righting all that is wrong in the world and who- thanks to connectivity- will be more aware of other cultures than any other generation before them.
I am thrilled you stopped by and thanks for teaching me a new word. I can always count on learning something every time we connect.
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Betty,
You mentioned appreciating the opportunity to experience my trip vicariously- I sat back and thought about that for a few minutes. That's it. You are on to something. Teachers should travel with the purpose of giving their future students vicarious experiences.
Brilliant! Thanks.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 24, 2007 1:06 PM
Cindi,
You asked, "Do they have a "Central Park?"
Interesting question! There were gardens and parks where people spent their evenings. We saw a group in the park engaged in karaoke (not in the bar sense) but more like families and neighbors singing together as part of community building. I saw a couple ballroom dancing to a single homemade string instrument while others watched and applauded in a park.
I walked through parks that had specific paths and turns that had a spiritual feel to them. And I saw parks and gardens that were for tourists and cost money to see as well.
I love your recommendation that they should send inservice teachers on international travel retroactively! Where do I sign?
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Marsha,
You said, "Help us bring the world into a smaller focus."
For me, that is what these tools do. I know it isn't about the tools themselves, but what we can do with the tools. Coming to the place where as educators we see the world as interconnected with a smaller focus is a great place to start.
Thanks for stopping by Marsha.
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 24, 2007 1:42 PM
Thank you so much for this glimpse into another culture that seems so far away and yet your story makes it seem much closer. Great job on the images and narrative. After reading the comments and "dittoing" (grin) many I thought of add'l things that struck me. I notice how industrialized it appears and wonder how they are considering the future, dealing with issues of pollution and traffic jams with so many potential drivers? I love that life spills over into the streets as it reminds me somewhat of a time in America when people sat on their porch or stoop and were in 'community', participating in a social way in the neighborhood, helping each other. Lastly, it strikes me how wonderful a job you did to introduce us all to your experience using the technology to do so. I am not a teacher like so many here but I do work with communities to tell their stories so I'll point them here for a job well done! Kudos to you!
Posted by: LaDonna Coy | September 24, 2007 4:54 PM
LaDonna,
I have added your blog to my aggregator! Great stuff and so timely for this generation. Using these tools for social change is at heart of everything I do.
The pollution and environmental issues are huge.
Traffic and pollution are already issues. I was reading somewhere that the US is to be blamed for Shanghai's pollution problems because of the model we gave. Not sure how I feel about that, but regardless with the population of China this will be a major concern globally as they become more and more progressive.
On another note, with all the cars and buses, I did not see a single gas station the entire time I was there.
I was encouraged by the thousands of bicycles and electronic scooters I saw in use. I wish the US would take note of that option.
Please stop by again!
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 24, 2007 6:00 PM
Thanks Sheryl,
You could become a travel writer in your next life. You certainly painted a vivid picture of Shanghai. I have been to many parts of China but not to Shanghai, so now it has moved up a few notches on my list.
Your comment about pre-service travel is very pertinent. I think world travel is a most for all professions these days. It certainly flattens out the world and narrows the focus on world issues that we have to do something about.
Posted by: Lenva Shearing | September 24, 2007 11:41 PM
Sheryl, thanks for sharing your photos and reflections. Can't wait to learn more about your experience.
Your take-aways are thoughtful. A couple of additional thoughts:
(1) I went back to China for the first time in twenty-five years this past April. In addition to Shanghai and Beijing (which blew my mind, and made me realize what a small town my little New York City really is), we visited several other cities - from remote Weishan and Dali, to industrial Changzhou, to the new domestic tourist Mecca, Kunming. I would suggest to anyone going to China that they visit Shanghai and Beijing, but also see the more remote regions. The differences between China's modern metropoles and those in earlier stages of evolution are stark and dramatic. My Dad grew up in Shanghai, travels to China many times each year, but can't bear what's become of his hometown.
(2) There is a tendency in this country to view our "flat world" as one in which American capital, culture, and values flow in one direction -- and cheap labor, plush toys, lead paint, and exotic diseases in the other. I would be fascinated to find out from you and your colleagues who have spent time in China - as educators - what educational values, curricular ideas, and pedagogical concepts might be imported back to the West. As a country and culture with the longest uninterrupted tradition of teaching and learning in human history, there must be much we can learn from China's institutes of education, just as there is certainly much for Chinese schools to learn from their counterparts in the West.
For a thoughtful reflection on this notion, see Howard Gardner's book on his ten-year cross-cultural study of arts education in "To Open Minds" (Basic Books, 1999) (See: http://books.google.com/books?id=dIeKboRLPf8C&dq=howard+gardner+open+minds). In the spirit of full disclosure, my father was intimately involved with this project :-).
Posted by: Luyen Chou | September 25, 2007 3:14 PM
Lenva,
I know from listening to your stories while I was in New Zealand that you are quite the world traveler yourself. I would be keenly interested to know if you feel that has made an impact on your professional role as principal? Are you are different administrator in your school because of your travel experiences? If so, in what way?
Thanks,
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 25, 2007 3:37 PM
Luyen,
Thanks so much for your first hand observations. They are valuable.
My daughter's mother in law also grew up in Shanghai. She is probably the age of your father (70s)? Wonder if they knew each other?
I agree our tendency is flawed to think of benefits only flowing one way between America and any country. While there, I really wanted to see the countryside of China. I craved something besides the big city feel. In fact, my favorite time spent was in the old town- as something felt very natural and peaceful while there. The people I met in the streets were delightful.
My greatest regret is that I didn't get to speak with any government schools educators. My experiences were limited to US International School teachers, and as stimulating and enlightening as that was in and of itself, I know I missed out on a tremendous learning opportunity that would have informed the work I do. I have been invited back and I will make certain I visit government schools if possible.
I would love to chat with you or your father about Shanghai. I have so many questions to ask.
Thanks for the book recommendation. It is one I didn't have in my library. I am ordering it now.
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 25, 2007 3:53 PM
Wow, Sheryl.
It looks like you kids had a lot of fun! I wish I could have joined you.
Keep up the good work,
Darren
Posted by: Darren Draper | September 25, 2007 9:57 PM
Hi Sheryl,
Yes I have travelled widely, but still so many places to go. But it's not the travel that is important, it is the glasses you put on to look at life and after some life changing experiences mainly in Asia and in Bali, my glasses now have a different lens.
As for making me a better school administrator, I'm not sure, but I know I can more easily see things from different perspectives and I'm very willing to listen to others and give 'their way' a try.
I believe that passion is what is needed in teachers today. I see so many examples of teachers without passion, going through the motions of teaching, that you cannot blame the students for lacking passion about their own learning.
In a school I'm involved with in Bali I have seen the kids literally run all the way to school (miles) with such hopefulness and passion and joy to learn, it really puts our own learning and teaching practice into perspective.
Posted by: Lenva Shearing | September 25, 2007 11:53 PM
Run all the way to school.. now that is something.
I saw in the Sydney Herald where Mandarin is going to be mandatory. Times they are a changing...
Mandarin a Must
Posted by: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach | September 26, 2007 3:13 AM
Nice post Sheryl...one I could never have written as I live here now (3 years) and do not see the city through these new eyes. It was great fun taking you and Noah around and showing my life, my city to you.
What does this city mean? How is this changing eduction..and the world? I'm still working on that one myslef...but one can not visit a place like Shanghai and leave not thinking that the world is flattening.
I hope you come again soon!
Posted by: Jeff Utecht | September 26, 2007 4:03 PM
Sheryl,
Your descriptions were insightful and almost breathtaking when combined with the photos. It made me long to travel to far away exotic places to experience it for myself.
Posted by: Scarlett | September 26, 2007 10:08 PM
Sheryl: What beautiful photos...and your experience with the pearls is so amazing. I am full of envy. I am curious about the pollution~one photo looked hazy, but a friend recently described Korea's air as barely tolerable. I am moved by your sensitivity into the homeless situation. What are your thoughts on pollution in China?
Posted by: Lynn | September 29, 2007 9:36 PM
I found myself really caught up in your Shanghai experience, Sheryl. I expected to see nice photos, but not such moving pictures - especially the homeless man and your encounter with the homeless woman and children. I'm just getting into the Web 2.0 technology - still taking baby steps - but viewing this just adds to my belief that there's real value in a flat earth!
Posted by: Anne Jolly | October 4, 2007 9:09 PM
Hi. Glad to know you had a good time in Shanghai.
Just FYI, Shanghai's population has topped 20 million including some three million visitors.
Posted by: Shan | October 10, 2007 2:11 AM