[Advisors] How do you teach digital literacy -- CIRA forum
James Van Leeuwen
jvl at dusk.ca
Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:57:58 -0600
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can =
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
[Margaret Mead]
There are volunteer (=3Dgood will) groups in rural Sweden, the U.K. and =
New Zealand building community FTTH networks with little more than a =
steady supply of beer and pizza.
They contribute energy and equipment, and spend their volunteer time =
digging trenches and pulling fibre.=20
The same is happening in the developing world... communities rallying to =
build wireless infrastructure that enables them to connect to the =
broader world.
Many will probably build fibre networks before they build roads =
(cheaper), or better yet, they will build the two together.=20
The FTTH network now under development in Olds, AB would not exist =
without the passion of the community volunteers who led the initiative =
for the last 8+ years.
So it's already happening in Canada.
Small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens have recognized the =
importance of broadband and ICT to the future of their families and =
communities, and rolled up their sleeves.=20
They aren't sitting around waiting or hoping for government, industry or =
anyone else to meet their needs.
This is what happened a century ago with our road networks.=20
People organized at the community level and got to work building the =
networks that would enable them to put their powerful new tools =
(automobiles) to the fullest possible use.
In short order, local Good Road Associations (as many called themselves) =
amalgamated into the regional and nationwide Motor Associations we still =
have today.
Besides driving development of better roads, they drove development of =
better operating practices (=3D better use of tools).
Their legacy is that we are now able to drive all over this country on =
paved roads, using the same car and the same operator's license, with an =
absolute minimum of hassle.=20
It is still far too easy to get an operator's license in this country, =
but at least we demand some measure of proof that people can use the =
tools responsibly.=20
JvL
On 2013-03-19, at 6:01 PM, "Thompson, Darlene" <DThompson1@GOV.NU.CA> =
wrote:
> I, personally, think that Gary had some excellent points. Without any =
kind of funding, this type of project couldn't possibly take off. All =
of the good will in the world won't make it happen.
>=20
> D
>=20
> Darlene A. Thompson
> CAP Administrator
> N-CAP/Department of Education
> P.O. Box 1000, Station 910
> Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
> Phone: (867) 975-5631
> Fax: (867) 975-5610
> dthompson@gov.nu.ca
> ________________________________________
> From: James Van Leeuwen [javanl33@gmail.com] on behalf of James Van =
Leeuwen [jvl@dusk.ca]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 2:02 PM
> To: Gary W Kenward
> Cc: Marita Moll; cleader@mb.e-association.ca; Thompson, Darlene; =
advisors-admin@tc.ca; bhart@ca.inter.net; TC Advisors
> Subject: Re: [Advisors] How do you teach digital literacy -- CIRA =
forum
>=20
> Gary,
>=20
> responses embedded below...
>=20
>=20
> On 2013-03-19, at 11:33 AM, Gary W Kenward =
<garykenward@eastlink.ca<mailto:garykenward@eastlink.ca>> wrote:
>=20
> James:
>=20
> Having been a mentor in my professional life (and occasionally in my =
personal life), I am curious as to how you see the opportunities for =
mentoring arising? Perhaps you are referring to informal education? That =
is, not class room instruction but drop-in centres? With (preferably =
trained) subject matter gurus available to help, if asked?
>=20
> Yes... it's basically a new long-term community institution.
>=20
> The eCitizen Club idea is a half-baked idea in this vein, just to =
provoke some dialog:
>=20
> http://www.ventus.ca/eCitizen.pdf
>=20
>=20
> What would a national program to foster mentoring look like (at the =
high level)? Training in mentoring. Subsidies for facility, equipment =
and materials? Nationwide publicity? Organized assessment and evaluation =
and adjustment?
>=20
> The most powerful and effective programs would emerge through a =
national alliance of community-based institutions.
>=20
> Compare the CAA to local/regional Auto Clubs.
>=20
> If all the CAP sites (for starters) were to rally around a shared =
vision... hmm!
>=20
>=20
> Do we need the federal government to make this happen? Funding is an =
issue, but how about crowd-funding (legal in Canada for charitable =
initiatives)?
>=20
> No... it will happen in spite of the current Federal Government, which =
is starving or neutering any agencies that do not complement their =
vision for Canada (=3D 1970s redux).
>=20
> Auto Clubs are completely self-financed through membership fees and =
service revenues.
>=20
> I provided some thumbnail figures around potential membership revenues =
a while back.
>=20
> Here's what I wrote:
>=20
>=20
> For convenience, assume there were ten million digital tool users in =
Canada (conservative).
>=20
> Assume that one percent of these were willing to spend $10 for an =
annual membership (100,000 members).
>=20
> How much impact could a national 'Digital User Club' have with an =
operating budget of $1 million, given the enormous leverage of the =
Internet for engaging and serving ICT users?
>=20
> Assume the Club excelled in fulfilling its mandate to its members, and =
after ten years there were five million Canadians paying $20 for an =
annual membership.
>=20
> How much impact could the Club have with an operating budget of $100 =
million?
>=20
>=20
> That's the kind of serious leadership clout Canada is going to need to =
catch up with the world and get back in the lead.
>=20
> The $1 million and $100 million revenue figures are both realistic =
objectives for three-year and ten-year growth plans.
>=20
> By comparison, the Canadian Automobile Association now serves 5.6 =
million members through nine regional auto clubs which collectively =
operate 140 offices across the country.
>=20
> For every dozen people on this email distribution, there should be an =
average of two CAA members.
>=20
> I am one myself.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> What value propositions did Auto Clubs offer to early motorists?
>=20
> These clubs emerged in abundance just over a century ago, generally to =
address the need for better road networks and better protocols for using =
road networks (rules of the road, including speed limits).
>=20
> They really took off when Ford began producing the Model T (1908), =
because motoring suddenly became affordable for a much greater =
percentage of the population (strong parallel to proliferation of ICT).
>=20
> Club activities focused on lobbying local and senior governments for =
more investment in new and better roads (as we need with broadband), and =
lobbying automobile industries to adopt more and better design and =
manufacturing standards (as we need for ICT).
>=20
> Key issues with the auto industry were enabling interchangeability of =
parts (standards), improving overall reliability, and reducing the =
overall costs of owning and operating automobiles (as we need with ICT - =
I'm sick of replacing defunct batteries).
>=20
> Auto Clubs pioneered the fields of automobile damage and liability =
insurance, which remain key sources of revenue for them (--> lower risk =
and cost of ownership).
>=20
> They also pioneered roadside assistance, which I've used at least half =
a dozen times in my thirty-five years of driving (--> lower operating =
risk).
>=20
> In climates like ours, this service alone is worth the cost of my =
annual CAA membership.
>=20
> Imagine the same for ICT, with on-site diagnostics and repairs, =
including replacing dead batteries (seriously).
>=20
> I don't want to have to book an appointment with a 'genius' at the =
Apple Store.
>=20
> In my hour of need, I want technical support to come to me.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> Many local and regional associations were initially called Good Road =
Associations, and today there are slightly different organizations that =
now operate under the same name.
>=20
> They generally serve the interests of municipal governments, rather =
than directly serving the interests of motorists.
>=20
> It didn't take long for governments to recognize the value of more and =
better roads to improving liberty, security and prosperity, and they =
understandably became a high priority in government affairs.
>=20
> They remain so to this day, and broadband networks will eventually =
enjoy similar status.
>=20
>=20
> As road networks and protocols improved and motoring became =
commonplace, Auto Clubs grew and amalgamated, and broadened the scope of =
their activities.
>=20
> Their emphasis shifted from improving road networks and protocols to =
improving design and operation of automobiles, with security as their =
overarching objective (motoring is still a leading cause of death and =
injury).
>=20
> We can thank Auto Clubs for driving industry adoption of seatbelts, =
and more recently, for driving government adoption of mandatory seatbelt =
legislation.
>=20
> Most recently, they have played central roles in driving government =
adoption of distracted driving legislation.
>=20
> There are similar needs for ICT users, as the Amanda Todd story =
powerfully illustrates.
>=20
> Cyberbullying can have tragic consequences.
>=20
> So can cyberfraud.
>=20
>=20
> I drafted that eCitizen Club discussion paper more than three years =
ago.
>=20
> The document could use some revision, but the basic concept makes even =
more sense to me now than it did back then.
>=20
> I have since lost virtually all confidence in the leadership abilities =
of government and industry for advancing digital economy and society in =
Canada.
>=20
> They cannot lead effectively, and if I could wave a magic wand and =
conjure the leadership I think we require, it would look a lot like the =
eCitizen Club as I envision it.
>=20
> The best I can do for now is stimulate interest and dialog around the =
idea, in the hope of shaping it into something actionable.
>=20
> It's up the flagpole...
>=20
> James
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
> Gary
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
> THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PRIVATE AND =
CONFIDENTIAL.
>=20
> On 2013.03.19, at 2:08 PM, James Van Leeuwen =
<jvl@ventus.ca<mailto:jvl@ventus.ca>> wrote:
>=20
> I agree Gary... hence the need for traditional mentoring, which =
involves not only developing mastery of tools but also wisdom around =
putting tools to productive and responsible use.
>=20
>=20
> The global currency of the Harry Potter narrative is a golden =
opportunity for building the culture of mentoring we desperately need.
>=20
> Compare ICTs to wizards' wands, and the power it gives us to affect =
action at a distance.
>=20
> There are people using ICTs to run scams, and there are people using =
ICTs to build healthier lifestyles and communities.
>=20
> Leaving it up to children to figure out responsible use for themselves =
is the very definition of irresponsible.
>=20
> JvL
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
> On 2013-03-19, at 9:44 AM, Gary W Kenward =
<garykenward@eastlink.ca<mailto:garykenward@eastlink.ca>> wrote:
>=20
> I just want to point out that there seems to be two "levels" of topics =
being discussed here: education on the purpose and use of ICT; and =
education towards improved literacy. The two subjects are quite =
different and require different teach skills, materials and plans. They =
also have different purposes. ICT is a tool. Literacy is a cognitive =
ability.
>=20
> More important, teaching ICT skills does not teach literacy, critical =
thinking nor social responsibility.
>=20
> All too often "computer courses" are focussed on training in the use =
of the tool, whether it be computers, mobile devices, software apps. The =
old school analogy would be teaching someone how to use the Dewey =
decimal system - a necessary skill (even today) that does not teach =
anyone how to research a subject, read critically, analyze information =
or synthesize ideas.
>=20
> Gary
>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
> THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PRIVATE AND =
CONFIDENTIAL.
>=20
> On 2013.03.05, at 9:38 AM, Marita Moll =
<mmoll@ca.inter.net<mailto:mmoll@ca.inter.net>> wrote:
>=20
> Just a note that there is also voting going on in this CIRA my voice =
forum. In the end, the opinions gathered from this site as well as =
opinions gathered from the actual CIF here in Ottawa will be rolled into =
a report to the Internet Governance Forum. So, if you couldn't attend =
the meeting or the webcast, there are other ways to have your say.
>=20
> You can express your agreement with any of the opinions posted by =
clicking on "Like this post." . So far, Clarice, James, Garth and I =
have posted opinions in the "Municipal ownership of broadband as local =
internet governance" , "Digital literacy" and "Canada's digital future" =
areas.
>=20
> All you have to do to vote is sign in: http://cif.cira.ca/en
>=20
> Marita
>=20
> On 3/4/2013 8:55 AM, Clarice Leader wrote:
> Once again I agree with Darlene. They also have not grasped the fact =
that the rate of change in ICT's is so rapid that the teacher/trainer =
must also be a constant learner and or able to teach others how to teach =
themselves.
> Sent from my BlackBerry=C2=AE smartphone on the MTS High Speed =
Mobility Network
>=20
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Thompson, =
Darlene"<DThompson1@gov.nu.ca<mailto:DThompson1@gov.nu.ca>>
> Sender: advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca>
> Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2013 13:50:37
> To: =
bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net><bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bh=
art@ca.inter.net>>; =
advisors@tc.ca<mailto:advisors@tc.ca><advisors@tc.ca<mailto:advisors@tc.ca=
>>
> Subject: RE: [Advisors] How do you teach digital literacy -- CIRA =
forum
>=20
> I just can't agree with Bernie more. A big part of the problem, =
though, is that the schools themselves often don't see themselves in =
this light, beyond their own narrow mandate and the tendency to become =
little fiefdoms.
>=20
> D
>=20
> Darlene A. Thompson
> CAP Administrator
> N-CAP/Department of Education
> P.O. Box 1000, Station 910
> Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
> Phone: (867) 975-5631
> Fax: (867) 975-5610
> dthompson@gov.nu.ca<mailto:dthompson@gov.nu.ca>
> ________________________________________
> From: advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca> =
[advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca>] on behalf of =
bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net> =
[bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net>]
> Sent: Monday, March 04, 2013 7:17 AM
> To: advisors@tc.ca<mailto:advisors@tc.ca>
> Subject: Re: [Advisors] How do you teach digital literacy -- CIRA =
forum
>=20
> Quoting Marita Moll<mmoll@ca.inter.net<mailto:mmoll@ca.inter.net>>:
>=20
> The concept of digital literacy as something we need to teach
> schoolchildren is limiting our ability to discuss and address this
> problem across generations and locations. And it continues to enable
> policy makers to avoid addressing the bigger issue.
>=20
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> Marita,
> In my view you have summed up the problem very well. I believe we need
> a re-definition of the CAP Program which is appropriate for 2013. Too
> many people are still thinking of the initial role played by CAP. We
> have gone far beyond that and a new statement and a new approach are
> required. I spent my entire working life in one form of education or
> another and I am concerned that so few communities see their schools
> as learning/training centres for all.
> Bernie Hart
> Chebucto Community Net
>=20
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca>
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
> =
=01=C3=9B=C3=A2=C2=B2=C5=A0=C3=AC=E2=84=A2=C2=A8=C2=A5=C5=A0x%=C5=A0=C3=8B=
@v=C3=B8=C2=AC=C2=A2=C2=BB-q=C3=86=C2=A1=C2=B6=C3=9A=7F=C3=BE=C3=B8=C5=93=C2=
=B6=C5=A0=C3=A2j=C3=97=1Ck=C3=B9=C5=A1=C5=A0Y=C5=A1=C5=B8=C3=B9b=C2=B2=C3=98=
=C2=A7~=C2=8F=C3=9Av=C3=B8=C2=ACors=3D
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca>
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
>=20
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca>
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
>=20
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca>
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
>=20
> _______________________________________________
> Advisors mailing list
> Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca>
> http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors
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<html><head><meta http-equiv=3D"Content-Type" content=3D"text/html =
charset=3Dutf-8"></head><body style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; =
-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; =
"><div><b><i style=3D"font-size: 13px;">"Never doubt that a small group =
of thoughtful, committed citizens can=20
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever =
has."</i></b></div><div><b style=3D"font-size: 13px;">[Margaret =
Mead]</b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>There are volunteer =
(=3Dgood will) groups in rural Sweden, the U.K. and New Zealand building =
community FTTH networks with little more than a steady supply of beer =
and pizza.</div><div><br></div><div>They contribute energy and =
equipment, and spend their volunteer time digging trenches and pulling =
fibre. </div><div><br></div><div>The same is happening in the =
developing world... communities rallying to build wireless =
infrastructure that enables them to connect to the broader =
world.</div><div><br></div><div>Many will probably build fibre networks =
before they build roads (cheaper), or better yet, they will build the =
two together. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>The =
FTTH network now under development in Olds, AB would not exist without =
the passion of the community volunteers who led the initiative for the =
last 8+ years.</div></div><div><br></div><div>So it's =
<i><b>already</b></i> happening in =
Canada.</div><div><br></div><div><div>Small groups of thoughtful, =
committed citizens have recognized the importance of broadband and ICT =
to the future of their families and communities, and rolled up their =
sleeves. </div><div><br></div></div><div>They aren't sitting around =
waiting or hoping for government, industry or anyone else to meet their =
needs.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>This is what happened a =
century ago with our road =
networks. </div><div><br></div><div>People organized at the =
community level and got to work building the networks that would enable =
them to put their powerful new tools (automobiles) to the fullest =
possible use.</div><div><br></div><div>In short order, local Good Road =
Associations (as many called themselves) amalgamated into the regional =
and nationwide Motor Associations we still have =
today.</div><div><br></div><div>Besides driving development of better =
roads, they drove development of better operating practices (=3D better =
use of tools).</div><div><br></div><div>Their legacy is that we are now =
able to drive all over this country on paved roads, using the same car =
and the same operator's license, with an absolute minimum of =
hassle. </div><div><div><br></div></div><div>It is still far too =
easy to get an operator's license in this country, but at least we =
demand some measure of proof that people can use the tools =
responsibly. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>=
<br></div><div>JvL</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>=
<br></div><div><br></div><br><div><div>On 2013-03-19, at 6:01 PM, =
"Thompson, Darlene" <<a =
href=3D"mailto:DThompson1@GOV.NU.CA">DThompson1@GOV.NU.CA</a>> =
wrote:</div><br class=3D"Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote =
type=3D"cite">I, personally, think that Gary had some excellent points. =
Without any kind of funding, this type of project couldn't =
possibly take off. All of the good will in the world won't make it =
happen.<br><br>D<br><br>Darlene A. Thompson<br>CAP =
Administrator<br>N-CAP/Department of Education<br>P.O. Box 1000, Station =
910<br>Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0<br>Phone: (867) 975-5631<br>Fax: =
(867) 975-5610<br><a =
href=3D"mailto:dthompson@gov.nu.ca">dthompson@gov.nu.ca</a><br>___________=
_____________________________<br>From: James Van Leeuwen =
[javanl33@gmail.com] on behalf of James Van Leeuwen =
[jvl@dusk.ca]<br>Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 2:02 PM<br>To: Gary W =
Kenward<br>Cc: Marita Moll; cleader@mb.e-association.ca; Thompson, =
Darlene; advisors-admin@tc.ca; bhart@ca.inter.net; TC =
Advisors<br>Subject: Re: [Advisors] How do you teach digital literacy -- =
CIRA forum<br><br>Gary,<br><br>responses embedded below...<br><br><br>On =
2013-03-19, at 11:33 AM, Gary W Kenward =
<garykenward@eastlink.ca<mailto:garykenward@eastlink.ca>> =
wrote:<br><br>James:<br><br> Having been a mentor in my =
professional life (and occasionally in my personal life), I am curious =
as to how you see the opportunities for mentoring arising? Perhaps you =
are referring to informal education? That is, not class room instruction =
but drop-in centres? With (preferably trained) subject matter gurus =
available to help, if asked?<br><br>Yes... it's basically a new =
long-term community institution.<br><br>The eCitizen Club idea is a =
half-baked idea in this vein, just to provoke some =
dialog:<br><br>http://www.ventus.ca/eCitizen.pdf<br><br><br> =
What would a national program to foster mentoring look like =
(at the high level)? Training in mentoring. Subsidies for facility, =
equipment and materials? Nationwide publicity? Organized assessment and =
evaluation and adjustment?<br><br>The most powerful and effective =
programs would emerge through a national alliance of community-based =
institutions.<br><br>Compare the CAA to local/regional Auto =
Clubs.<br><br>If all the CAP sites (for starters) were to rally around a =
shared vision... hmm!<br><br><br> Do we need the federal =
government to make this happen? Funding is an issue, but how about =
crowd-funding (legal in Canada for charitable initiatives)?<br><br>No... =
it will happen in spite of the current Federal Government, which is =
starving or neutering any agencies that do not complement their vision =
for Canada (=3D 1970s redux).<br><br>Auto Clubs are completely =
self-financed through membership fees and service revenues.<br><br>I =
provided some thumbnail figures around potential membership revenues a =
while back.<br><br>Here's what I wrote:<br><br><br>For convenience, =
assume there were ten million digital tool users in Canada =
(conservative).<br><br>Assume that one percent of these were willing to =
spend $10 for an annual membership (100,000 members).<br><br>How much =
impact could a national 'Digital User Club' have with an operating =
budget of $1 million, given the enormous leverage of the Internet for =
engaging and serving ICT users?<br><br>Assume the Club excelled in =
fulfilling its mandate to its members, and after ten years there were =
five million Canadians paying $20 for an annual membership.<br><br>How =
much impact could the Club have with an operating budget of $100 =
million?<br><br><br>That's the kind of serious leadership clout Canada =
is going to need to catch up with the world and get back in the =
lead.<br><br>The $1 million and $100 million revenue figures are both =
realistic objectives for three-year and ten-year growth plans.<br><br>By =
comparison, the Canadian Automobile Association now serves 5.6 million =
members through nine regional auto clubs which collectively operate 140 =
offices across the country.<br><br>For every dozen people on this email =
distribution, there should be an average of two CAA members.<br><br>I am =
one myself.<br><br><br><br>What value propositions did Auto Clubs offer =
to early motorists?<br><br>These clubs emerged in abundance just over a =
century ago, generally to address the need for better road networks and =
better protocols for using road networks (rules of the road, including =
speed limits).<br><br>They really took off when Ford began producing the =
Model T (1908), because motoring suddenly became affordable for a much =
greater percentage of the population (strong parallel to proliferation =
of ICT).<br><br>Club activities focused on lobbying local and senior =
governments for more investment in new and better roads (as we need with =
broadband), and lobbying automobile industries to adopt more and better =
design and manufacturing standards (as we need for ICT).<br><br>Key =
issues with the auto industry were enabling interchangeability of parts =
(standards), improving overall reliability, and reducing the overall =
costs of owning and operating automobiles (as we need with ICT - I'm =
sick of replacing defunct batteries).<br><br>Auto Clubs pioneered the =
fields of automobile damage and liability insurance, which remain key =
sources of revenue for them (--> lower risk and cost of =
ownership).<br><br>They also pioneered roadside assistance, which I've =
used at least half a dozen times in my thirty-five years of driving =
(--> lower operating risk).<br><br>In climates like ours, this =
service alone is worth the cost of my annual CAA =
membership.<br><br>Imagine the same for ICT, with on-site diagnostics =
and repairs, including replacing dead batteries (seriously).<br><br>I =
don't want to have to book an appointment with a 'genius' at the Apple =
Store.<br><br>In my hour of need, I want technical support to come to =
me.<br><br><br><br>Many local and regional associations were initially =
called Good Road Associations, and today there are slightly different =
organizations that now operate under the same name.<br><br>They =
generally serve the interests of municipal governments, rather than =
directly serving the interests of motorists.<br><br>It didn't take long =
for governments to recognize the value of more and better roads to =
improving liberty, security and prosperity, and they understandably =
became a high priority in government affairs.<br><br>They remain so to =
this day, and broadband networks will eventually enjoy similar =
status.<br><br><br>As road networks and protocols improved and motoring =
became commonplace, Auto Clubs grew and amalgamated, and broadened the =
scope of their activities.<br><br>Their emphasis shifted from improving =
road networks and protocols to improving design and operation of =
automobiles, with security as their overarching objective (motoring is =
still a leading cause of death and injury).<br><br>We can thank Auto =
Clubs for driving industry adoption of seatbelts, and more recently, for =
driving government adoption of mandatory seatbelt =
legislation.<br><br>Most recently, they have played central roles in =
driving government adoption of distracted driving =
legislation.<br><br>There are similar needs for ICT users, as the Amanda =
Todd story powerfully illustrates.<br><br>Cyberbullying can have tragic =
consequences.<br><br>So can cyberfraud.<br><br><br>I drafted that =
eCitizen Club discussion paper more than three years ago.<br><br>The =
document could use some revision, but the basic concept makes even more =
sense to me now than it did back then.<br><br>I have since lost =
virtually all confidence in the leadership abilities of government and =
industry for advancing digital economy and society in =
Canada.<br><br>They cannot lead effectively, and if I could wave a magic =
wand and conjure the leadership I think we require, it would look a lot =
like the eCitizen Club as I envision it.<br><br>The best I can do for =
now is stimulate interest and dialog around the idea, in the hope of =
shaping it into something actionable.<br><br>It's up the =
flagpole...<br><br>James<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Gary<br><br><br><b=
r><br><br><br>THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PRIVATE AND =
CONFIDENTIAL.<br><br>On 2013.03.19, at 2:08 PM, James Van Leeuwen =
<jvl@ventus.ca<mailto:jvl@ventus.ca>> wrote:<br><br>I agree =
Gary... hence the need for traditional mentoring, which involves not =
only developing mastery of tools but also wisdom around putting tools to =
productive and responsible use.<br><br><br>The global currency of the =
Harry Potter narrative is a golden opportunity for building the culture =
of mentoring we desperately need.<br><br>Compare ICTs to wizards' wands, =
and the power it gives us to affect action at a distance.<br><br>There =
are people using ICTs to run scams, and there are people using ICTs to =
build healthier lifestyles and communities.<br><br>Leaving it up to =
children to figure out responsible use for themselves is the very =
definition of =
irresponsible.<br><br>JvL<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>On =
2013-03-19, at 9:44 AM, Gary W Kenward =
<garykenward@eastlink.ca<mailto:garykenward@eastlink.ca>> =
wrote:<br><br>I just want to point out that there seems to be two =
"levels" of topics being discussed here: education on the purpose and =
use of ICT; and education towards improved literacy. The two subjects =
are quite different and require different teach skills, materials and =
plans. They also have different purposes. ICT is a tool. Literacy is a =
cognitive ability.<br><br>More important, teaching ICT skills does not =
teach literacy, critical thinking nor social responsibility.<br><br>All =
too often "computer courses" are focussed on training in the use of the =
tool, whether it be computers, mobile devices, software apps. The old =
school analogy would be teaching someone how to use the Dewey decimal =
system - a necessary skill (even today) that does not teach anyone how =
to research a subject, read critically, analyze information or =
synthesize ideas.<br><br>Gary<br><br><br><br><br>THE INFORMATION =
CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.<br><br>On =
2013.03.05, at 9:38 AM, Marita Moll =
<mmoll@ca.inter.net<mailto:mmoll@ca.inter.net>> =
wrote:<br><br>Just a note that there is also voting going on in this =
CIRA my voice forum. In the end, the opinions gathered from this =
site as well as opinions gathered from the actual CIF here in Ottawa =
will be rolled into a report to the Internet Governance Forum. So, =
if you couldn't attend the meeting or the webcast, there are other =
ways to have your say.<br><br>You can express your agreement with any of =
the opinions posted by clicking on "Like this post." . So far, =
Clarice, James, Garth and I have posted opinions in the "Municipal =
ownership of broadband as local internet governance" , "Digital =
literacy" and "Canada's digital future" areas.<br><br>All you have =
to do to vote is sign in: =
http://cif.cira.ca/en<br><br>Marita<br><br>On 3/4/2013 8:55 =
AM, Clarice Leader wrote:<br>Once again I agree with Darlene. They also =
have not grasped the fact that the rate of change in ICT's is so rapid =
that the teacher/trainer must also be a constant learner and or able to =
teach others how to teach themselves.<br>Sent from my BlackBerry=C2=AE =
smartphone on the MTS High Speed Mobility Network<br><br>-----Original =
Message-----<br>From: "Thompson, =
Darlene"<DThompson1@gov.nu.ca<mailto:DThompson1@gov.nu.ca>><br=
>Sender: =
advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca><br>Date: Mon, 4 =
Mar 2013 13:50:37<br>To: =
bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net><bhart@ca.inter.net&=
lt;mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net>>; =
advisors@tc.ca<mailto:advisors@tc.ca><advisors@tc.ca<mailto:ad=
visors@tc.ca>><br>Subject: RE: [Advisors] How do you teach digital =
literacy -- CIRA forum<br><br>I just can't agree with Bernie more. =
A big part of the problem, though, is that the schools themselves =
often don't see themselves in this light, beyond their own narrow =
mandate and the tendency to become little =
fiefdoms.<br><br>D<br><br>Darlene A. Thompson<br>CAP =
Administrator<br>N-CAP/Department of Education<br>P.O. Box 1000, Station =
910<br>Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0<br>Phone: (867) 975-5631<br>Fax: =
(867) =
975-5610<br>dthompson@gov.nu.ca<mailto:dthompson@gov.nu.ca><br>_____=
___________________________________<br>From: =
advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca> =
[advisors-admin@tc.ca<mailto:advisors-admin@tc.ca>] on behalf of =
bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net> =
[bhart@ca.inter.net<mailto:bhart@ca.inter.net>]<br>Sent: Monday, =
March 04, 2013 7:17 AM<br>To: =
advisors@tc.ca<mailto:advisors@tc.ca><br>Subject: Re: [Advisors] =
How do you teach digital literacy -- CIRA forum<br><br>Quoting Marita =
Moll<mmoll@ca.inter.net<mailto:mmoll@ca.inter.net>>:<br><br>Th=
e concept of digital literacy as something we need to =
teach<br>schoolchildren is limiting our ability to discuss and address =
this<br>problem across generations and locations. And it continues to =
enable<br>policy makers to avoid addressing the bigger =
issue.<br><br>=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D<br>Marita,<br>In my view you have summed =
up the problem very well. I believe we need<br>a re-definition of the =
CAP Program which is appropriate for 2013. Too<br>many people are still =
thinking of the initial role played by CAP. We<br>have gone far =
beyond that and a new statement and a new approach are<br>required. I =
spent my entire working life in one form of education or<br>another and =
I am concerned that so few communities see their schools<br>as =
learning/training centres for all.<br>Bernie Hart<br>Chebucto Community =
Net<br><br>_______________________________________________<br>Advisors =
mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca><br>http://victoria.tc.=
ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br>__________________________________________=
_____<br>Advisors mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<br>http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<=
br>=01=C3=9B=C3=A2=C2=B2=C5=A0=C3=AC=E2=84=A2=C2=A8=C2=A5=C5=A0x%=C5=A0=C3=
=8B@v=C3=B8=C2=AC=C2=A2=C2=BB-q=C3=86=C2=A1=C2=B6=C3=9A=7F=C3=BE=C3=B8=C5=93=
=C2=B6=C5=A0=C3=A2j=C3=97=1Ck=C3=B9=C5=A1=C5=A0Y=C5=A1=C5=B8=C3=B9b=C2=B2=C3=
=98=C2=A7~=C2=8F=C3=9Av=C3=B8=C2=ACors=3D<br>_____________________________=
__________________<br>Advisors mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca><br>http://victoria.tc.=
ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br><br>______________________________________=
_________<br>Advisors mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca><br>http://victoria.tc.=
ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br><br>______________________________________=
_________<br>Advisors mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca><br>http://victoria.tc.=
ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br><br>______________________________________=
_________<br>Advisors mailing =
list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<mailto:Advisors@tc.ca><br>http://victoria.tc.=
ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br></blockquote></div><br></body></html>=
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