Challenging the Trumpets in San Antonio
Around this time last year, I wrote a post Challenging the Trumpets in Atlanta that I had sought out this evening because I think it remains critical for those attending NECC in San Antonio. For me, I can only hope that all the amazing educators attending NECC will challenge more than they accept.
One key to attending NECC is not to be overtaken by the glitz (or is that glitch) and glamor of ideas, products, and names (you know, the gods of the Ed Tech world). The idea is to seek balance by entertaining the ideas of the "cheerleaders" BUT also listening/interacting with a critical eye and pondering the thoughts of "naysayers". In other words, avoid simply listening to those that "trumpet the wonders of technologies" (McKenzie, 2002, p.26) and thinking that this is the way to eternal happiness and success.
What trumpets are sure to be played? Well, the old Web 2.0, School 2.0, and everything else 2.0 will undoubtedly be there plus any number of addition number we want to add (3.0, 3.5, and maybe even a 10.1). Mostly, TOOLS will dominate and I challenge you to ask WHY before being sucked in by the WHAT that will be all over NECC and the side action taking place there.
There will also be a flood of talk about the networks, everybody coming, and many other words/phrases perfect for Buzzword Bingo. Not to mention, I'm sure there will be push back on a shared technical culture. Whether you have completely bought into these ideas or not, you should never stop challenging the "trumpet" players because Mckenzie (2002) is right in what happens if we became another cog in the system:
"If we simply take notes when sitting at technology conferences, we become the blind following the blind" (p. 25)
While I've chosen not to attend NECC 2008 because of work responsibilities/priorities, I can only hope those that have are full of excitement BUT also have their mind ready to be challenged AND TO CHALLENGE. Ed Tech needs Push Back and Leaders NOT more followers! After all, NECC will play host to the greatest minds in our field and I'm thinking they would expect nothing less. What do they want from their audience members? Something tells me they want to be challenged and engaged within the context of a professional learning community. I assume they don't want us to sit there and just consume. Maybe I'm wrong but I just don't see these leaders wanting passive recipients.
So the question is this: Are you heading to NECC 2008 to enjoy the trumpet, play the trumpet, or challenge the trumpet?
Reference
Mckenzie, J. (2002). Just in time technology. WA: FNO Press.