Tag: DML Central

Why It’s Time to Let Go of ‘Meritocracy’ [DML Central]

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Doug Belshaw

My latest post for DML Central was published yesterday. Entitled Why It’s Time to Let Go of ‘Meritocracy’, it’s an attempt to explain why a belief in something most people see as unproblematic can actually lead to unforeseen issues.

A sample:

Building an education system around ‘meritocracy’ as it is commonly used post-Thatcher may be a function of those in power being so privileged that they are not in a position to see their own privilege. Those who have never witnessed people having to work three jobs to keep their family afloat may not understand why parents can’t do more to coach their children through an entrance examination.

Click here to read the post in full.

I’ve closed comments here so that you can add yours to the original post. I’d be keen to hear your thoughts!

3 Types of EdTech Baggage: Toolsets, Mindsets, Skillsets [DML Central]

Posted on April 28, 2016April 28, 2016 by Doug Belshaw

3 Types of EdTech Baggage: Toolsets, Mindsets, Skillsets

My latest post for DML Central has just been published. Entitled 3 Types of EdTech Baggage: Toolsets, Mindsets, Skillsets it was prompted by a Quentin Blake-esque sketch from Bryan Mathers that made me laugh.

So, in this post, I want to challenge the assumption that those resisting the adoption of a particular technology are neo-Luddites. I’m basing this on my experience in schools, universities, and now as an independent consultant working with all kinds of organisations. I see a much more nuanced picture than is often put forward. Assuming people should “get with the program” can, after all, be a little techno-deterministic.

I’d love your feedback on the post itself, so I’ve closed comments here to encourage you to do so!

Click here to read the post in full

‘Badges’ for Lifelong Learning: Reframing the Debate (#openbadges, #dmlbadges)

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Doug Belshaw

Patience is a Virtue

I’ve written my third post for DML Central. Entitled ‘Badges’ for Lifelong Learning: Reframing the Debate it’s an attempt to look afresh at Mozilla’s Open Badges infrastructure and the DML Badges competition.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been talking to people from Mozilla, HASTAC and DML Central about badges for learning and, I have to say, I’m rather excited at the potential. Imagine a system where informal and peer-to-peer accredited in an open way. Amazing.

Image CC BY Anderson Mancini