The Science Leadership Academy and Standing on the Edge of the Conversation
Posted by Lois on 23rd July 2008
based on the Connect Learning with David Warlick podcast episode 98
I was listening to the podcast with Chris Lehmann about Educon 2.0 Conference. Chris Lehmann is the “Principal” of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. It is a school with Year 9 and 10 students -and growing- with a progressive philosophy using web 2.0 technology to achieve their goal. They collaborate with their students in all matters, work closely together as a staff and always have the “scientific” approach as the understory for their pedagogy.
Inquiry Research Collaboration Presentation Reflection
It sounds like a dream school, one that is beginning to look like a true school of the future, one that has stepped out of the mould away for the stereotypical institutions that we know as schools. It is no wonder that Chris Lehmann talks so enthusiastically about his school.
Secondly, this is the second podcast that I have heard the same story told the by podcast author. In this scenario David Warlick had his podcast notes on iTunes infected by porn spam and he had only found out about it through his Twitter network. He didn’t know the person who had found the spam bu the way that the spam was discovered was by a podcast user who didn’t know David but made a comment on Twitter for someone to tell the him of the spam. This is exactly the same as the previous story but different people. “An example of the “bigger mind” a community of people who you are in conversation with.”
This is the whole point of Web 2.0. It is about the community of like-minded people who you may never have met but are “in conversation” with.
I feel I am at the edge of this conversation not quite in there. I know it is difficult at the beginning to build the conversation because a conversation can’t be one way. It means having to have something to say too and being prepared to make comments and read what others have to say. I know that it is worth it because I can see the conversations that others are having.
It is the biggest revolution in professional communication in my lifetime. Instant messaging is huge but the way this has grown to become a tool for Personal Learning and Professional Growth is powerful.
Posted in Leadership, Staff PD | 1 Comment »
