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Kamenetz does a good job of capturing the vast number of resources available for personal learning, but never does quite demonstrate how someone might actually earn a “DIY” credential. The advice to take charge and be self-motivated runs smack into the hard reality that currently about the only credentialing available is through traditional higher ed pathways. The definition of “education” may be changing, but so far at least, the definition of “degree” isn’t.

— Visual Turn

If you’re a student living in Missouri, you’d better not be Facebook friends with any of your teachers – because that will soon be against the law.

According to Missouri Senate Bill 54 that goes into effect on August 28, any social networking — not just Facebook — is prohibited between teachers and students. It’s all part of an effort to “more clearly define teacher-student boundaries.” However, KSPR reports that It’s only direct social media contact that’s prohibited; teachers are allowed to create Facebook Pages where all students have direct access to the teacher in a more public setting.

» via Mashable

I find this legislation to be both comical & appalling.

Now, I get it. The intention of the bill is to enact strict guidelines to reduce & prohibit sexual misconduct.

That being said, there are already enough privacy measures in place for users to control their own online behavior. The bill encompasses all of 'social networking' though - not just Facebook - which is even more preposterous. Measuring such online activity will be impossible when you incorporate Twitter, Google +, LinkedIn, etc.

The extent of the bill is unclear as well. Does this pertain to all levels of schooling (elementary through college)? The magnitude of teacher relationships are significantly deepened as students progress. College professors, for instance, can have a profound impact on a student & be incredibly close as both a mentor & a friend. Having the opportunity to connect & communicate online is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

On the surface, it appears that digital immigrants are writing legislation out of complete ignorance. This hinders moving towards an open & transparent web. Our online & offline identity are not separate like church & state -- our representatives need to understand this.

I am absolutely in love with this TED Talk. He exemplifies everything in which I believe, speaks to everything that I think is wrong with schools, and proposes solutions that I believe in. Every time I get discouraged from going after my dream of starting a charter school, I should watch this video.

Chris Lehmann represents all that is right with education. Not only does he preach, he practices. He is applying his methods & achieving groundbreaking results. What I love most is how much he empowers his students to critically think & take action. I strongly feel that our current system of education undermines the ability & potential of our youth. Expectations are too low, based off the standards of the past. Students today now have more access & resources to accomplish what past generations could only dream of. They have the power to change the world. We should treat them as such.

P.S. If you're not as passionate as Chris Lehmann, get out of education. Now.

Yes to everything about this.