When Reading and Writing Become Jammin'

Earlier this week, Tim Lauer in his Garageband post points to Jon Udell discussing IT and the quality of experience that's delivered, the ability to negotiate protocals and relationships in a fluid, rapidly-evolving environment. Jon labels this ability with an action verb--to jam. Tim laments the fact that school district IT departments don't share this vision. An online dictionary defines jam session as "an impromptu performance by a group..." My experience with my web site, AuthorChats validates that the hurdles to a group performance that involves online reading and writing can be daunting in many school district settings. Further professional develpment opportunities for teachers and easier access to IT staff trained in collaborative technolgies will help. It seems that data management trumps curriculum support in most districts. I agree with Tim that the ability of students to share their work with others is the exciting thing about the internet in schools. Another writer this week is deploring the lack of vision and performance in her piece, Is it really that hard to write it out?