I’d certainly agree that “the economy” might have a very politicized connotation for some, including the examples you’ve given. No one believes more than I do of the inextricable connection between politics and the economy (and economics). Indeed, most of my examples above, where the NDP could have attacked the Liberal record, show that connection.

On the other hand, I suspect that a lot of people simply want to hear that their jobs are secure, or that a new job is in their near future. No matter how much BS the Liberals have slung in this regard, the NDP’s silence on the topic (unfairly) validates the Liberal bovine dung.

The NDP has to enter this territory, although from my experiences in various BC NDP campaigns, many diehards really aren’t comfortable about doing that. It’s one of the reasons I gave up volunteering after 2001. We’ll have to see if anything really changes.

Colin

Given that the Liberal economic pitches were pure fantasy, debt free through LNG and David Black’s imaginary refinery, I think it’s clear that “economy” is simply code talk in BC politics.

I am drawn to Tesla’s feelings of sadness that Edison did not have the formal direct instruction that had benefited him so greatly.

Niche is correct.

I just replied. Thanks for the comment!

I’m not necessarily against BYOD as a general principle, but I don’t think we’re close to a time where it’s sensible and fair. I can think of at least 3 reasons:

1. At this point, most BYO devices – tablets, smartphones – are great for receiving content, but I want devices that excel at input and production. I want students to create a number of “products” that are currently best produced by desktops or decent laptops. (Not surprisingly, virtually all of my DL students complete their DL courses on desktops or laptops, not with BYO devices.)

2. I teach at a school where many students, perhaps at least a quarter, still don’t have proper connectivity at home. And this is in a relatively affluent neighbourhood.

3. My school simply doesn’t have the infrastructure to support 1500 BYO devices. Students currently use their own data plans for the best Internet connection. And the students who have these plans are in the distinct (and privileged) minority.

Now, perhaps in the future, things will change. Perhaps students will one day buy devices that are great for input (w/ no compromises), can run all day, will cost under $100, and use dirt-cheap data plans. [The precedent is the common calculator.] THEN we can justly expect parents to foot the bill, and cash-strapped schools to make up the difference. But I don’t think we’re even close to that yet.

So, in the meantime, I think we need to look to lab based solutions. Things may change in 5-8 years, but until then…
……….

BTW, the increasing numbers and marking load in my previous DL school were major reasons why I returned to the classroom in September. I understand and sympathize with your situation!

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your interest!

I’m certainly not against technology in education, but I do think we need to be careful and skeptical about implementation. If we can integrate it gradually, and within existing good teaching practices – AND without displacing other expenditures – then I’m all for it. If we can’t, then we ought to be a little less enthusiastic.

Also, as a humanities teacher (who has spent 8 years in DL), I have yet to see much out there for writing. For “scimatics” teachers, there is certainly a lot of good programs/technologies out there, but for language arts teachers… not so much.

Cheers,
Colin