The Elevator Pitch

[live blogged — please forgive misspelling and awkward writing]

I’m now in an EduBloggerCon session trying to identify the elements of the pitch that people can use to promote social networks. Vickie Davis says that it needs to be simply, not a laundry list. David Jakes suggests that we look to the current political campaigns, what John Edwards and Obama is doing. Chris Lehmann is against preparing the 21st century workforce. He says we should be preparing the 21st century citizen.

The conversations seems to keep coming back to Internet safety. I agree, but it’s not the focus. It’s just part of the issue. It’s so much bigger than that. Chris to chiming in on this, that, “You put it out there, you educate the parents, and you midigate. Then you can get to the next piece of it.”

Doug Johnson has submitted the concept of intellectual freedom as part of the story that we tell. Technologists are seen more as the censors. This is an interesting concept. But what Chris describes as “gatcha moments” where anyprincipal at any time is at risk of getting fired. He says that “if you aren’t willing to get fired, then you aren’t doing your job.”

I’ve asked, “how do we make kids advocates?” Doug Johnson describes how his district has added students to their policy committees and that kids have actually saved them on several occassions with new ideas and perspectives.

Mark Wagner says that perhaps we are getting past fear as to motivator. I think that “opportunity” is the none fear leverage point. Steve Hargadon has just told us to break. I hope that Will has been creating three bullets.