tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30786249.post1673975656779037017..comments2007-12-13T11:20:23.767ZRichnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30786249.post-28118544851982597912007-12-13T10:42:00.000Z2007-12-13T10:42:00.000ZI agree !!! Bravo.chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15330092400133433727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30786249.post-51488295103504176122007-12-12T09:55:00.000Z2007-12-12T09:55:00.000ZThere is however a flip side too, in that rumour can overtake genuine attempts at truth telling.<BR/><BR/>Your kids may be very good at finding sources and cross referencing. But they are particularly smart, as I suspect may be many of their friends. However, the average school kid just does a quick google search and copies and pastes the first thing they find into their assignments. They specifically don't cross check sources and I know this from first hand research in my work. 2/3 of UK kids are not able to distinguish between reputable sources of information and rumour factories and just grab the first thing they find. It is a constant source of irritation to teachers. Remember your lovely children are probably in the top 2% of ability or higher.<BR/><BR/>Most kids, like their non net literate parents, lack the skill at assessing the quality of the information source they find, and as a result are vulnerable to serious attempts at information tampering. Teaching that quality assessment skill is something that schools are trying to bring in as they are aware of the problem.<BR/><BR/>I agree, the power of the net is immense and probably the most important world changing invention since the printing press. What's fascinating me at the moment is the way that the old sources of power are realising this and are making inroads into the art of spreading rumours through the net so that it passes off as truth. I pay close attention to the whole climate change debate and the foul-play taking place over how information is spread on that topic has been amazing.<BR/><BR/>So, while I share your amazement, I am cautious as to painting too rosy a picture. The rules have all changed, but those who wield power are perfectly capable of adapting to the new game. I am cautiously optimistic, but the game is not over yet.Grommitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30786249.post-29445339835726797502007-12-11T17:28:00.000Z2007-12-11T17:28:00.000ZPower to you, Lin!!! I'm glad I made the click to Fluffytek today. What you say is so true and so needed-to-be-said.<BR/><BR/>Thank you!unbearable lightnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16146661740927787207noreply@blogger.com