Are we moving in the right direction?

Classroom 2.0 Live presented a live webinar hosted by Kim Caise, Lorna Costantini, and Peggy George with special guest speaker Travis Allen.  Travis Allen, a 21 year old college student, is both the CEO and president of his company iSchool Initiative.  His presentation focused on three main topics; how iSchool Initiative was started, why mobile learning is important, and things to change the world. 

While Travis described his technology timeline, I couldn’t help but compare myself to him.  His first computer was at the age of 12, whereas my first computer was at age 16.  His first encounter with social networking was at the age of 16, whereas my first encounter with social networking was at the age of 25.  His first smart phone was at the age of 17, whereas my first smart phone was at the age of 28.  I couldn’t believe how close we started, and how quickly our age differences grew apart.  From 4 years, to 9 years, then to a difference of 11 years, the gap got larger. 

I thought back to his presentation and the main concept of find, filter and apply and couldn’t believe that a 21 year old could actually teach me about best practices in education.  His ideas of mobile learning, using an iPad, collaborating with his classmates were inspiring.  I thought, no wonder why this guy is a CEO of his own company, he embraces technology to be more organized, spends less time on assignments because the internet is available to him 24/7 and he is expanding his educational experiences through the use of applications and Web 2.0 tools.  He’s a genius!

What really through me for a curve was his experience in Tanzania.  He talked about how he visited the country, presented his iSchool Initiative to the school and the students were so excited and on board.  I couldn’t believe that a country with no running water had better access with their cell phones than I could.  Most of the students have the internet at their fingertips and can access any bit of information at any time they want, but do not have the opportunity to bathe every day.   I couldn’t help but think that no wonder other countries are testing better and surpassing the United States, our education system needs to get with the times and make changes for our students to lead the way.  Allen said “work hard, fail a lot, but learn more.”  I completely agree.  I am going to suggest to my administrator that Travis Allen pitch his iSchool Initiative to my school district.  It would be nice to be ahead for once instead of trying to close the gap.

To view Travis Allen's webinar visit Classroom Live 2.0.