At a time when what is taught and how it is taught is becoming more prescriptive, the official implicit assumption seems to be that the only legitimate learning takes place within the confines of a classroom at prescribed times. Extending those prescribed times, therefore, will lead to greater learning. Maybe.
So, what is the role of teachers, when so many young people seem to be able to learn quite successfully outside the confines of the classroom? What conflicts arise?
Can we safely assume that the majority of young people can learn how and why to use digital tools? If we can, what are the expectations of their teachers – and for their teachers?
None of these concerns are new. It’s maybe worth revisiting some work I did a number of years ago.