Richardson

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Ideas
Richardson's views of educational technology is obvious in theory and challenging in practice. He focuses on Web technology and the need for students to be connected to one another through the web. The internet does not have to be a super-large encyclopedia where students simply use it to look up content. Instead, Richardson believes that students should actually use the internet and similar technologies to actually create content and share their creations with the world.

Richardson understands the limitations set forth by the lack of funds for educational technology. But it still remains that most schools do have access to the web and educators should utilize it more than just as a research tool. There are many free forms of technology available on the internet such as wiki pages, creating websites, and blogging or video conferencing.

Background
Richardson has written books about blogs, wikis, pod-casts and web tools for the classroom. He was formerly a high school teacher in New Jersey. He currently is an independent presenter and owner of a company called Connective Learning LLC. He is largely concerned with school reform with technology.

Achievements
Will was recognized for his usage of blogs by the New York Times.

Personal Thoughts
I believe that Will Richardson's ideas prove to be a solution meant for today's schools. Richardson doesn't seem to focus on technologies that haven't been invented yet or are too impractical for schools to have just yet. Instead he suggests using the cheap technology that is the world wide web. I totally agree with his argument of needing to use the web as a creation tool as opposed to simply a research tool. Richardson seems to have a solution for today's schools.

-started by Chris Gargasz

I agree with Chris on this one as well. Richardson is simply trying to solve an immediate problem with resources that we already have. He isn't implying that we make radical reform that is impractical in this day and age like so many others have in the past. I also agree that encouraging our students to use the internet just for research is hindering the creative applications that web-tools and media could provide for students. When a student gets online to look up a definition, and then hits cut and paste, we aren't doing them any justice at all. Chances are, we are actually making it easier for them to float by school with as little effort as possible. I think Richardson makes some very good points and hopefully educators will take note! -Christie

Having students create and publish on the web is a great idea. Using it more as a "creation tool" instead of research or games could not only help students learn, but also give them a sense of pride and accomplishment! Also, if schools are like ours, publishing to places like blogger or wordpress is impossible due to site blockage or limited access. -Andy Luciano