How+is+good,+but+let's+not+forget+the+why!

Obviously, a lot is happening in terms of changes brought about by the explosion of technology and how we communicate. The need to stay abreast of changes as teachers of the next generation is not merely essential for survival, there is also a moral imperative at play. We (all of us) need to be able to communicate with the up-coming generation of "digital natives". We need to be able to relate to them in ways that they understand. All of this is important, and most of it has tremendous potential for positive advancement in society.

I'm not just a little concerned that in our headlong rush to use the latest techniques to educate our students, we lose sight of the importance of mutual concern and respect. There will always be some among us who are the "digital outcasts", not necessarily by design, but perhaps simply due to economic circumstances or where one happened to be born. It will be easy for those in these circumstances to feel alienated and rejected by 21st century techno-culture, unless the techno-culture constantly reminds its membership of the importance of consideration for others' feelings, as well as tolerance for other points of view.

I happen to be a music teacher - something different from many involved in this effort. I've been involved in this whole technological revolution pretty much from the outset. I quickly embrace new technology, but always with the thought that the technology itself is always morally neutral. It is the individual and how he or she chooses to use it that makes it potentially a superb tool for humanity, or one that debases other members of society. Let's always try to keep things in their proper perspective as we go about using these many wonderful new techno-tools.