Living in the past!

I am a big fan of Jethro Tull – for my age, I am possibly somewhat retro and like a range of late 60’s early 70’s prog rock. The Tull sits amongst my fave artists, after all, who isn’t enchanted by Ian Anderson, one legged on his flute, belting out the bridge on Living in the Past (Google it, turn the sound up and watch, it’s worth it).

Anyway – this isn’t my point, their first song, released in 69’ charting 3rd in the UK is a classic. Also, maybe it was something I subconsciously heard as a mewling infant. My feeling is that there are many educators destined to live in the past and are clearly still living in the past as I write this article.

I cannot claim to be at the cutting edge within my vocational computing discipline. Instead, I seek other likeminded, open-minded individuals. Young and old, focussed on bridging academic exploration with vocational discipline and enabling the future workforce have both the skills and deep knowledge to be potentially dangerous in our domain.

The world of education is changing, it has to adapt, survive or die and as competitors continually chew away at our space. We must be one step ahead and to the left of field, defining our own opportunities and creating educational opportunities. Old delivery models have their place, however we have to try the alternates and explore how we may reach and teach new students.

Tradition is an idea, upon which we build new experiences and new traditions, it is not seldom a goal. Of course, if my thinking offends – do not bother me, I am less than interested.