Module 9 Colossians 4.6

Let me begin this post with the words of the Apostle:

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone."

Reading and listening to the different topics in this module on networking I was reminded of the power of speech, and the way speech leads and directs so much of human activity.  It was also a timely reminder of some elements of 21st technology about which I have some rather grave ethical reservations.

Before I get to those, let me make a few points about the learning experience of this module.

Scootle - I was introduced to Scootle via SPC and can see its great value in the classroom.  It's one great lacuna is the paucity, nay, non-existence, of tools for Religious Education.  As an REC this does pose a few problems for use.  Fortunately, there is an abundance of similar tools created for RE such as the Understanding Faith interactive series that has been posted on SOLE.

Professional Networking - Yes I see value in organised groupings along professional interests.  My perennial problem is time-management that would allow me to make effective use of such groups.  Most of my professional networking is still done via email and face-to-face, which IMHO is a far more genteel way of doing things.

Second Life - This is an area of technology I am not keen on.  I have read and listened to Dr Peter Vardy speak on Second Life at a number of conferences over the last 5 years and agree with him that one of the greatest challenges facing contemporary Western, and increasingly, global society is the social disconnection brought about by the loss of human to human contact and discourse.  What had been the usual means of regular and frequent communication, speaking to and with others face to face, has been, in many instances eroded through increased work commitments, geographical dislocation and a sharp increase in the prevalence of lonliness and depression. 

What is so greatly disturbing about Second Life is, I find, in the name itself - a second, alternative "life" - as though a computer program can "create" a "life" that could pose as a "virtual" or "viable" parallel  life to the flesh and blood reality.   Research into Second Life has shown it to be extremely addictive with all the psychological and physical symptoms and manifestations of other forms of artificial dependence.  I have serious reservations about using anything like Second Life in a classroom despite the YouTube clips that promoted its educational value.  I consider Second Life to be an experience that is inappropriate for adolescents - engagement with other Web based tools and with human beings is a healthier option.

Social Networking.  I read the material about a reality with which I have some familiarity.  I bowed to peer pressure and created a Facebook account.  The thrill lasted a few weeks and I only log on every couple of weeks or so.  I must confess I really don't see the need for Twitter - I do not want to know that much about people. I hope they enjoy whatever it is they are doing; just keep the joy to yourself!  I am sure my tea drinking and trashy novel reading are hardly newsworthy!

I began with St Paul and now I close with St Paul, whose words written centuries ago point to the heart of what Christians regard as The Life, and which informs all authentic teaching.

"If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."