Unit 2: David Thornburg

I believe David Thornburg’s comments are very accurate about students and the Internet today. The more students use the Internet the greater the need to teach them strategies to make meaning out of the activities and information they partake in. 

It’s like when your dad let you drive for the first time in a large parking lot or field. He basically taught you the technical aspects of using the vehicle – how to put the vehicle in gear, how to use the gas and brake, and how to steer. However, the more you use the vehicle in more complex situations, like driving in a town, the greater the need for knowledge and strategies to deal with these situations. Just because someone can put a vehicle in gear, use the gas and brake, and steer, doesn’t mean you should put then on the 401 or downtown Montreal. 

The same is true for students and the Internet. The greater their use and complexity of use of the Internet, the greater the need for teachers to provide them with the strategies they need to navigate through the information and activities they are participating in.

David Thornburg is considered one of the 'big thinkers' in education. Below is a short video clip highlighting some of his ideas on education and the Internet.