Are we riding a Ferris Wheel?

Okay, it's been awhile since I have blogged on my education blog. Now school is back in session, and many issues continue to warrant new blog posts.

I am wondering if we are advancing in education, if we are stagnant, are slowly moving forward or are we backpedaling? ? There has been many edu-blogs and websites regarding this question. Many experts agree that we need to move in a different direction, using Web 2.0 technology - and definitely not preventing its use in classrooms. The reason I ask is for the last four years it seems the school year has been like riding a Ferris Wheel repeatedly. You know the one, the same one at your annual carnival or fair you rode as a child. It looked so grand as a kid, but as you matured, it lacked its luster and you became disinterested with it because you knew it wasn't a good ride. It reminds me of certain issues in education. This may remind you - Ferris Wheel.

It always starts the same. You get on board, expecting a great ride. The teacher in-service meetings and preparatory meetings have the same ingredients. The school seems rich with enthusiasm and an abundance of promise. On a side note, I found it funny that some of my twitter followers and friends mentioned this subject of introductory meetings. How most of the time the administration will do a skit or something - every year. That is like the sign of the Ferris Wheel, with its neon glow blinding you with delight. It's the perfect marketing piece to get people aboard a ride and you do it, expecting great things.

The Ferris Wheel keeps moving along for the most part but sometimes gets stuck only to continue the same ride. Sometimes, if you were lucky enough, you'd stop at the very top of the Ferris Wheel when another passenger boarded the ride. This brief delay let you scan the carnival, giving you a chance to plot your next move. Midway maybe? Anyway, as your riding you realize its not that exhilarating or promising, the Ferris Wheel looks great through the neon misted haze on a dark overcast night. The ride, however, doesn't reflect the same promise. Can you blame us though? The source of light after all is seen (maybe subconsciously) as a source of comfort - remember being scared of the dark? Sometimes education mimics that idea. It seems you more often find enthusiasm quietly erodes away like the summer sun setting in the mountains.

It turns out the ride was good at first but you walk away hungry, wanting more. So, you get off the Ferris Wheel, or summer break happens. You search and reflect over the past year, creating new ideas. Once summer is over, it's time for school again. The carnival is back in town and you see the Ferris Wheel. I'm riding it again, hoping that the ride is improved from last year.

See you soon.