Micro vs. Macro: NECC vs. CoSN?
21st Century Education, Ed. Leadership, Ed. Policy, Ed. Tech. July 11th, 2008
I think I’m on to something here (of course I do; why else would I be writing this?)…
A. There have been smatterings of dissatisfaction with the recently concluded NECC, particularly among the more experienced and “followed” edubloggers (see e.g. Will and Karl)
B. Great discussions about systemic educational change have been occurring in the edublogosphere, especially over at Chris Lehmann’s blog and Will Richardson’s blog.
I think part of the reason for A is a desire for what’s being discussed in B.
I say that because NECC (the subject of A) is ALL about the micro.; it’s about pedagogy, classroom tools, projects, etc. The subject of B is macro; it’s about changing the “system.”
So, here’s my proposal. Let NECC (and ISTE) be what it is; a place to learn about technology integration; a VERY important place for LOTS of educators. CoSN’s annual conference, on the other hand, is the place where learning and conversations about policy, leadership, change can happen. Apparently, CoSN doesn’t think professors (or higher ed. more generally) are worthy of attending their shindig, but I’m likely to crash their party next year (besides, I’ve been dying to go to Austin, TX anyway!).
Tags: COSN, education, NECC, policy, technology
