Keynote: Tom March

Web 2 & Beyond: Curse or Cure?

We are entering an era when it can be truthfully stated that a self-motivated student with broadband access to the Web can learn more than he or she could in school. Society has changed around us and one of the few certainties is that these changes will continue. Some of the main trends include micro-niche marketing, knowledge working and infinite choice, all of which call into question a culture focused on standardised outcomes and compliance. In other words, a culture like traditional “schooling.” This presentation will look at several immutable trends of our digital era and how smart use of pedagogy can leverage these changes into advantages, while those committed to supporting last century's mass production model will only see them as disruptive technologies.

Biography

Tom March has been obsessed about authentic teaching, learning and children for the past three decades. He finds this often involves technology as an inspiration to creativity and means to impressive accomplishments. Recognised as a Teacher of the Year Finalist for San Diego County after five years in the profession, he concluded ten years as a classroom teaching in 1995 by taking a three-year fellowship at San Diego State University. There, Tom worked with Professor Bernie Dodge to develop the WebQuest model. Since moving to Australia in 1998 and starting ozline.com, he has contributed at least one new product or initiative every two years. These include Web-and-Flow, BestWebQuests, ClassPortals, The New WWW and CEQ•ALL. Each initiative builds on what's been learned and addresses new needs of Web-enriched educators. He regularly keynotes, writes, and facilitates workshops focused on aspects of making learning for Real, Rich and Relevant.

Last reviewed: 30 April, 2008