This struck me as pertinent to the current economic, and global climate, and so I was moved to make a video about the subject. The story of The Blind Men and the Elephant is also strongly related to my views on education and Personalized Online Learning and Teaching. Certainly the movement towards online learning is gaining momentum. In my opinion we will see big shifts in learning and teaching in the coming years as online learning, mobile learning and web 2.0 technologies gain popularity. Let's face it teenagers today twitter daily, sms by the second, and are in constant contact with friends and family through mobile telephony devices. It appears inevitable then that web 2.0 learning will eventually be the learning method of choice. Online learning is 'green' and eco-friendly and that's what the new generation understand. At least I hope they do. Travelling to and from a learning establishment costs money and burns energy, doesn't it? Am I wrong? So, why then jump in the car and go to university, or your local language school? Learn online and save the planet, right? Sure, you need face to face contact, but that can be with peers, colleagues,and online teachers, can't it? I'm not suggesting I have all the answers, but as far as Personalized Online Learning is concerned I believe its a valid alternative. Certainly for informal learning, such as learning to speak English. Perhaps, ESL teacher's can take the lead then and inspire other institutions to follow? What do you think? Part of the goal of online learning should be peer collaboration and involvement. Why? Well, in the spirit of The Blind Men and the Elephant it provides the opportunity for students around the globe to get together and have a chat. Share stories, and gain a better understanding of each other. In my opinion that's the big advantage of online learning. Certainly I've noticed people from Iran, Tunisia, Croatia, Spain, Germany, The United States, Uzbekistan, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Slovakia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela....and many more countries visiting my posts. So, it's my dream to have these students learning together from each other, with the support of qualified online instructors. In a world of global conflict and constant misunderstanding, I think online learning provides the platform to breach the divide, and provide a better world for future generations. So, as teachers don't we have a responsibilty to each other and future generations to instigate the change. Unfortunately the older generation make the decisions that bind us. Am I right? But the older generation were educated 30 years ago, so really they're not 'with it' are they? That's why the students need to start designing the curriculums. If we involve students in the decision making process won't they be more motivated to learn? By creating environments that applaud creativity aren't we change leaders rather than change procrastinators? Imagine students from Iran, Russia, USA, and China conversing on a daily basis, sharing ideas and opinions? How would they shape the future? It would be looking pretty good, wouldn't it? If we delay the move to online learning we are only delaying the inevitable. I think educators should take it upon themselves to move students online now. I'm trying to do my part. It's difficult, but I think it's the right way forward. What about you, what do you think? Who are The Blind Men? I invite your opinions. Thanks for listening, I hope your enjoy the video. Oh, by the way...this video is available to student subscribers at www.kiwicarioca-esl.com in mp3 format, with study notes. Best, Robert
