Storytelling to get the message across

Well I’m back after a long sojourn. The New Year has been a real eye opener. The new school is excellent. It is great to feel invigorated again. The class is a nice mix with loads of energy. The project in the pipeline is a visual language unit based on Disasters. After the big Tsunami in Asia, it got me to thinking about our safety here in Godzone. The big questions I asked were “Could it happen to us?” “Are we prepared?” Have we adapted and learnt from pass experiences?”

Sounds like a big task and yes I would agree, that is why it over a term. The planning was a ball. Actually taking the curriculum apart so that the unit could be really integrated was challenging and I love a challenge.

Now comes the hard part. I have come from a school with Broadband and I am finding Dial up frustrating, to say the least.

While I’m on that tact there are a myriad of slips and technical crevasses awaiting those unfamiliar with the challenges of traversing the alpine landscape of ICT system design.

The following is based on an idea planted by Jason Ohler, www.jasonohler.com at TUANZ in Timaru last week.

The story:
Our hero Chalky Blackboard finds himself in the land of Nonet. He travels to the Kingdom of Poole. Where many people come together to share ideas.
Chalky has travelled far and wide searching for the ‘Holy Grail’. The golden key to the land of Info-Literacy. He has heard of the wonders of Info land. It is said that every one is happy there enjoying the wonders of Meaningful Context. They revel in the use of Smart Technology and most of all they are life long subjects of the Love of Learning. Chalky is lead to believe that the key can be found somewhere in the Kingdom of Poole.
Chalky has met many travellers who have shared amazing stories of brave individual who have done battle with great beasts from the land of Ignorance and Indifference called the Old Guard. Where many unprepared travellers are lured to the dark side of “Doing it this way because it’s the way we do it” and “ That’s great but I don’t have time”.

One day the Prince of Poole sent for Chalky. Chalky walked into the throne room. The Prince sat upon a throne made of the bones of Piaget and built using the scaffolding of Vygotski. The Prince was dressed in the robes handed down from leader to leader. The robe made from articles of legislation and curriculum balance. As Chalky approached, the Prince raised himself and adopted the posture of a great leader.
“I have a heard that you are an adventurer who is not afraid of the Old guard.” Said the Prince.
Chalky smiled and replied, “My faith in the governance of this kingdom means I have nothing to fear, if I stay the course.”
“It is just that frank and honest approach that confirms you are the right person for the job.” Said the Prince.
He continued, “I understand you seek the location of the land of Info-Literacy.” He leaned forward and peered into Chalky’s eyes.
“I wish to send you on a quest, in return I will help you find that which you seek.” As he finished the Prince sat back and waited for Chalky’s reaction.
Chalky touched his chin in a thoughtful manner and as a look of resignation came upon his face he said, “What is your quest?”
The Prince’s face changed to that of a determined man, “I charge you with the task of bringing the NET to the kingdom of Poole.”
“But…but”, stammered Chalky. “This is the land of Nonet. Surely what you ask is beyond my knowledge. You have many advisors and learned wizards who are better suited to this task. The problem is that there are too many Wizards and Advisors who have their own agendas. They do not possess your vast worldly knowledge and I fear that they will succumb to the wishes of the Old Guard”.
The Prince suddenly looked tired as he spoke. “The people of Poole have so much to offer and wish to learn and share so much. They, like I, have heard of the Land of Info-Literacy and they desire to look upon the wonders of Meaningful Context and use Smart Technology. They long for the teachings of the Love of Learning. If you embark on this quest and are successful. The land of Poole will be forever in your debt.” With that the Prince stood up from his throne, “I will give you 1 day to think about your answer”.

To be continued.