I just read an interesting observation on Graham Wegner’s blog, Teaching Generation Z . In his post Duty of care in an environment of innovation, he quotes Peter Simmond’s Outdoor Education analogy.

“Peter Simmonds, our DECS Learning Technologies Projects manager was an all day attendee on that Friday and he used the Outdoor Education analogy to good effect. To paraphrase his words, outdoor education could potentially be a very risky undertaking (think rock climbing and kayaking as two examples) but the educators involved have developed such well developed protocols and guidelines that the risks have been diminished to their very slightest and are now considered to be safe activities for students to be involved in. Teaching and learning online activities also would benefit from the development of protocols and guidelines that would turn the use of blogs and other online tools into a safe, highly valuable and essential learning practice. Doing so without this happening is like trusting your ropes will hold you down the rockface because of your experience rather than taking the time to check and ensure that the activity will not end in disaster due to human oversight or negligence. “

I had not heard that analogy before, and I find it incredibly apt. Its an important one to consider, both from its understanding that we can make online activities safe, if we put adequate protocols in place, and also in that they can in fact be dangerous if we do not take adequate care. Whilst it’s great that teachers are enthusiastic about blogging and other web 2.o tools, those that rush in without adequate care and preparation jeopardise it for all. Similarly, a lack of understanding by school administration can cause concern where none need exist.

It’s important for all of us that teachers educate themselves about the issues and ensure they are overcome before diving into blogging with their class.