[Yr7-10it] Re buzz words from 22/11....

[Phil Callil]

"I agree; the keynote on the day I attended was 99% "bum fluff" as I  like to call it."

My, if that isn't an unnecessarily provocative and uninformed comment, I'm not sure what is.....

First, reading Bill's analytical and thoughtful comments about buzz words in political policies and the like certainly caused me to think about how such words and cliches are thrown about by both sides of the political spectrum. Regardless, the investment made by the federal government in education has caused us to fall behind when compared with many OECD countries. I think that's clear.  Similarly, the government's policies on broadband have done the same, especially when compared with South Korea, Japan and many European and Scandinavian countries.

They are buzz words when used by politicians who are perhaps looking for their 10 second grab to the masses.

But to suggest that the keynotes (or even one of them) on Monday and Tuesday were of a similar ilk is an unnecessary and fairly insulting swipe at two people who have established international and national  reputations (respectively) for their experience and knowledge.  Heppell's delivery I thought was appealing, accessible, eye opening and informative.  It represented a lot of ideas we need to consider when it comes to what we want our schools to look like over the next 50 years - ideas we need to consider if we are to fashion our own Australian response to the educational needs of our children

Moyle's comments I felt were not necessarily eye opening stuff but were based on solid analysis of field research of schools, industry and teachers. For IT practitioners at the coalface in schools, maybe they were not necessarily eye opening but it was good to hear such views being expressed by an academic who can influence national policy in IT in education.  Her ideas on programming and where it sits in the curriculum and the importance of cross platform open source apps were very appealing - at least to me anyway. 

To suggest that the keynote on (whatever) the day  "99% 'bum fluff' " is unfair, unnecessary and offensive.   VITTA work hard to cater for both the IT specialists who form the bulk of the membership and teachers who are cross curriculum.  From a subjective and objective point of view, I think this was done successfully. 

So, whatever you do, rather than making comments like this, be a little bit more proactive and join in the decision making process at VITTA.  Come and join the committee and have a say in the keynote speaker selection.  

Best wishes


Phil Callil
Faculty Head IT 
Xavier College

Vice President VITTA  



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