Thinking+About+the+New+Web

The following was originally published January 1, 1970 at http://thinkingaboutthenewweb.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/10/learning_to_dri.html Well, here goes...the very first blog entry on the new NISC weblog. If you had told me two years ago that I would be sitting here right now, typing an entry into a blog that took five minutes to set up, and distributing it 'publicly' on the web (and even more publicly to our Buckhead community), I wouldn't have believed you. However, here I am joining the masses who are adopting this blogging tool to develop a voice, tell a story, share information, speak to a larger audience...and learn. The early adopters of technology, kids, have figured out quickly what the new web affords: they can create personas online with pictures, videos, writing, and podcasts to tell their story-be it 'real' or fabricated. And whether real or fabricated, they now have a forum to share that voice and tell stories to an infinite audience. Especially appealing to them is the connection aspect: they can connect with their friends and meet new people all in a 24/7 environment. What they don't quite understand is that there are saftey issues and the personas they create generate impressions that are long-lasting. So, what of their safety? What good is this new web? Why would we embrace this new technology and herald its social and educational value? These questions are among many that we will consider during this 2006-07 school year as the NISC focuses on the Internet. The purpose of this NISC weblog will be to document voices and share our learning. You'll hear from NISC committee members, including faculty, parents and school heads. We'll write about what we are thinking about this new web and what it means for parenting, education, and our community. And we'll invite your comments on these posts (see the comment section below each post) so more voices can be shared. What are our goals? First, we hope to create a common community of learners around an issue critical to our schools and families; and second, if we do this right, we'll model the positive value of the new web for our students. Perhaps we can think of it like this: would you hand keys to your child to drive a car you hadn't driven on a road that you didn't know? Think about it. And join in. Laura Deisley 2006-07 NISC Coordinator