Neil Gaiman - Why fiction is dangerous

What is the value of a strong culture of recreational reading within a school?  In this presentation by author Neil Gaiman at Book Expo America 2013 he explains why the value of reading is critically real and important.  Coming from a successful writer of science fiction, it illustrates what is happening in our minds when we, and our students, are reading.  

You can cut straight to the chase at the 23:46 minute mark of the presentation, although having started there, I know you will go back to the beginning to hear what he says about his own writing, specifically his new books: The Ocean at the end of the lane and Fortunately the milk.

In speaking of writing he says:  'Writing is like driving at night.'  Not knowing what's ahead but recognising it once it's lit up with your imagination.  

In speaking of reading, specifically, Why fiction is dangerous, his words are from the heart. He says, fiction is dangerous because it lets you into other peoples' heads; because it gives you empathy; it shows you that the world doesn't have to be like the one you live in.

He explains this through recounting an experience while attending the first science fiction convention in China in 2007 when he asked a party official what had brought about such a change of heart that the government was now hosting such a convention.  While not illegal, science fiction had been frowned upon in China for a long time.  It was regarded as subversive.  What had changed?

The official explained that in China they are good at making things people bring to them, however, they don't invent.  They went to America and talked to innovative tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Apple asking them what they read as children to be capable now in their adulthood of such innovative and creative ideas.   They all said they read science fiction; they read fantasy.

This is a powerful expression of not only the value but the NEED to take our students into a world that, in many cases, is only available through their English teacher, teacher librarians and passionate librarians.  It doesn't have to be science fiction but we are the ones who give students the opportunity to ignite their imagination through reading.  It is dangerous.  As Gaiman says, it develops creative thought; 'It shows you that the world doesn't have to be like the one you live in.'  Dangerous, but essential.

Focus on the development of creativity has been a priorty for the Chinese government since Gaiman's encounter six years ago.  Much could be said about the complexity of China, however, hosting a Science Fiction Convention was an early step in acknowledging the value of creativity and imagination.

Bibliography: The New Livestream (2013). Neil Gaiman - from BEA Live 1. [online] Retrieved from: http://new.livestream.com/BookExpoAmerica/Stage1/videos/20346789 [Accessed: 13 Jun 2013].

Science teaching solving real world problems

At King Middle School, Maine, USA students take an integrated approach to learning science through real world problem solving.  The closing student comments speak volumes about the learning expectations of today's students - "science is building, science is doing, science is creating ........ usually in school you learn about the things in the world that are bad, .......I think that school shouldn't be just about learning about problems, it should be about solving them."

Thanks to Bob Sprankle for sharing

Maine School Engages Kids With Problem-Solving Challenges

Google Inactive Account Manager

As we share and store increasing amounts of our personal data online whether it be through email, photo-sharing or blogging, the thought of what happens to this when we are no longer able to maintain it is an issue.

Google has addressed this matter with the news that it is now possible to Plan your digital afterlife with Inactive Account Manager.  You set the parameters regarding length of inactivity before action is taken, who (if anybody) you wish to nominate as the person/s (up to 10) you entrust with the task of managing the data on your behalf, or maybe you'd request Google to simply delete all data.  

CNET have provided an easy walk-through for setting this up for your Google account at How to set up Google's Inactive Account Manager.  Setting it up is a thought provoking process but very worthwhile.  Thanks Google.

Podcasts - a personal learning winner

 Podcasts, I can say without doubt, are the most useful and valuable component of my Personal Learning Program (PLP).  Twitter, RSS feeds that I read through a variety of platforms, Scoop.it and regular webinars are also valuable, however, for ease of listening and exposure to DEEP, informed conversations podcasts win hands-down.

The value of podcasts is:

• You choose when (and whether) to listen
• Listen according to your mood - maybe you're ready for something hard hitting, or maybe something relaxed
• Catch up on missed favourite programs - Australian ABC Radio is a world leader in podcasting
• Listen to worldwide internet radio programs - BBC (UK), 5BY5 &  NPR (US), PRI (International)
• Listen to private radio networks - British Tech Network, TWIT, EdReach, EdTechTalk
• Share with individual Aussie educators - EdTechCrew and RUConnected
• Access extensive educational resources - iTunesU
• Listen directly online line or download to a device. 

My device of choice is the Apple iPod.  A smart phone serves just as well, ipod nano or even smaller device.  While audo can be downloaded onto a variety of players, the inclusion of a screen enables viewing of vidcasts (video) in addition to the audio, an added bonus although you need to watch the download size.  Personal listening habits are a major determiner in device choice.  Battery life is a concern for my phone, also access away from the phone for those peaceful times, hence the separate device. 

iTunes is my podcast manager of choice.  This doesn't suit everybody but if you want it to be simple - this is the place.

While one could select any number of good examples, a recommended weekly podcast for senior students, especially debaters and maybe for your library to make available on devices, is the longstanding Radio National - Counterpoint, presently hosted by Amanda Vanstone.   It provides an Australian perspective with 'commentary and debate from all sides of Australian society, economics and culture', an important consideration when students are learning where to access a range of information to inform their opinions.    

This post has barely scratched the surface of easily accessible, free podcasts and vidcasts. As a lover of radio, they are a winner for me.  Comments are welcome.

Librii - new model of library for developing countries

Librii is an exciting new concept in libraries that has been successfully funded as a Kickstarter project raising $52,350, just above their $50,000 goal, with 650 backers.  Their plan is to develop a network of low-cost yet revenue-generating, digitally powered libraries deployed along the fibre optic infrastructure in the developing world.  It will be run by library and information professionals and provide access to people isolated from resources that could aid their independence.   

Librii's intention is to provide individuals and comunities with access to digital and physical tools to 'tools to solve their own educational, informational, and economic challenges'.  The purpose of being revenue-generating, they say, is to make them independent from government organisations and the like.  It makes sense.

The project was incubated with seed funding from the World Bank Institute and was awarded the Best Innovation Leveraging Technology from the Dell Social Innovation Challenge.  It's a project worth watching and provides inspiration to me personally, as we encourage our own library communities to look differently at the futures available to them. #Librii