Seven people in attendance from: Isle of Wight, United States (4), Panama, and Ireland

A free ranging discussion included the topics of:

1.       Disruptive innovation and the experience of systems “fighting hard” against these changes.  Society as a whole and families assign a role to educators and expect them to fulfil that role.  As we discuss disruptive ideas we need to be aware that as a philosophical framework evolves there will be tensions on the expectations of those roles.

2.       The need to be aware of the contextual and cultural components of any discussion of “Quality” in education – whether that be quality of teachers of what is taught.  For instance what is required in an online environment is different as is rural vs urban needs.

3.       Perhaps use of the internet for professional development is one of the answers as to how to improve what we have in education.

4.       This lead us to a short discussion of whether and to what extent schools can be improved enough to work, or whether a revolutionary stance is best.  This group was leaning towards the school improvement model.  We agreed it is probably AND/Both – Both that new ideas are needed AND schools need to be improved to better reflect the live their students are living.

5.       Assessment was discussed: not only the over assessment and use of assessment but also the need for assessments and desire to build assessments that work.

6.       Heather was interested in the idea of minimally intrusive education because she has also had the experience that children lead their own learning, especially on the internet. 

7.       This lead to safety issues on the internet.

Outcomes

1.       It was agreed upon that the meeting space worked well.

2.       There will be a follow up discussion on assessment June 16^th 7pm GMT

3.       The assessment questionnaire from the Isle of Wight will be emailed.

4.       New groups will be forming.

Written by :

alanajames