Media: Wanting A Little More From EdSurge

Speaking of technology, the weekly EdSurge hasn't ignored all the skeptical press that online and blended learning has been getting in the mainstream press, dutifully linking to stories in The Nation, Mother Jones, and the New York Times -- but the folks behind the Gates-funded newsletter don't think that the negative coverage is going to make much difference (they may well be right) and they seem to think that the pushback against critical stories has already been felt at the Gray Lady:  "The NYTimes, perhaps a little weary from the flak over Matt Richtel's pieces, has noticeably broadened its coverage with some pro-edtech reports."  (Mayor Bloomberg's recent remarks about firing teachers and replacing them with computers are described as "un-PC.")  It's good that they're including critical stories, and the newsletter is full of interesting market tidbits, but wouldn't it be great if it also included some of the cautions and critical distance you often hear from even the most enthusiastic edtech supporters -- more than just linking out?  There are smart ideas and operations in this space, and there are also folks that are just here for the goldrush, and it wouldn't be such a bad thing for EdSurge or the rest of us to get some help telling the one from the other.  Or maybe I just haven't read it enough and am annoyed that the updates come in email form only. Thoughts?  

Comments

[betsy]

Hey Alexander, Thanks for wanting more. You're on target: not all technology is great and simply pumping digital stuff into classrooms or students' heads is not necessarily good. We are intensely interested in seeing "great" tools get made -- and then helping people figure out which of the best tools are right for them. We've got plans in the works to try to serve up something that talks more about this in 2012. Stay tuned.