In recognition of the grave peril that our nation now finds itself, we the people of the United States of America face the challenge of “Winning the Future”. There are those of us who recognize that America cannot be a first class nation with second-class students/learners and a transformation of our education system must happen now. Previous attempts at education reform have failed and it will take nothing short of a revolution, a Digital Learning Revolution toturn the tide. We hold this truth to be self evident that all people have the right to an education that “empowers” them for the global workforce.
In VIDEO CONFERENCE, July 27, 2011
The Digital Learning Revolution: Declaration of Independence
Section 1: Context
In recognition of the grave peril that our nation now finds itself, we the people of the United States of America face the challenge of “Winning the Future”. There are those of us who recognize that America cannot be a first class nation with second-class students/learners and a transformation of our education system must happen now. Previous attempts at education reform have failed and it will take nothing short of a revolution, a Digital Learning Revolution to change/turn the tide. We hold this truth to be self evident that all people have the right to an education that “empowers” them for the global workforce.
When an education system is no longer doing this, it is the right of the people to abolish it and build a new foundation. It should be known that we do not seek the total annihilation of what has been the three hundred year reign of the current system. But, it is undeniable that our current platform has failed and poor education performance is a Tyrant that threatens all liberty. And tyrants of any form cannot be accepted in a free society that must continue to evolve.
Section 2: Itemized List of Grievances
To prove this, these facts are submitted to a candid world as proof of the continued resistance of the current system to serve the people.
Our current education system...
- is not preparing today’s students for tomorrows world.
- is built on an outdated and antiquated model.
- uses pedagogy that has not changed since its inception.
- is devoid of brain base learning techniques.
- fails to account for the different learning styles of today’s digital natives.
- fails to answer the question “why do we need to know this”?
- has been at a snails pace far too long.
- fails to embrace technology, mobile communications and new innovative teaching methods.
Students and learners...
- cram and memorize for a test, and then forget it all the next day.
- have been built to make the A instead of learn the material.
- buy outdated textbooks, and never open them.
- carry 50 pound backpacks, even though a digital solution is available.
- are punished for failing, therefore feel they can never make mistakes.
- are expected to learn to survive in the real world, without experiencing the real world.
Finally, the most egregious of all culprits
Schools are...
- bound to four walls and a desk.
- more focused on the community politics then the well being of our students.
- guilty of disregarding individuality.
- killing creativity.
- failing our students, with a high percentage of drop outs.
Section 3: Proclamation of last resort (B)
For quite sometime our citizens have tried to continue their incredible pace of innovation in spite of a never changing commitment to an education approach whose usefulness has long since passed. But now, times have changed. Today, we live in a world determined to challenge our country’s historical position as the flagship of innovation, achievement and freedom. And the sense of urgency to respond is palpable.
In the past, there have been many patriots that have tried to announce and incite awareness of the proximity to disaster our nation now fines itself. In the past, many have risked their reputation and treasure to lay down the foundation for change. But in spite of these heroic efforts change has not been forthcoming. Now is the time when we must admit the failure of the current system and embrace a new pathway to learning. Now is the time for all who love this country to make this proclamation; “We will not continue efforts to pay homage to this enemy of the state”,
Section 4: Announcement of Independence (Conclusion)
Therefore, as citizens of the United States of America, in an attempt to address the gravity of this moment and time in history, do knowingly and willingly announce our intention to separate ourselves now and forever more from servitude to an outdated, analog, non-mobile, pedagogically out of step, and failing education system. In recognition of our declaration of independence, from this day forth we shall strive to incorporate mobile, digital computing technology into the fabric of all educational efforts. We shall also strive to inspire the production of content for this digital learning platform that is “edutaining”, experiential and real world relevant. We hereby pledge to all who would join us. This crusade shall be prosecuted with extreme diligence and prejudice and we shall not fail to achieve our goal-readily available and effective education for all.
