For my generation, the internet is where we encounter strangers. We didn't play much outside, didn't converse much with the neighbors, and were rather suspicious of people we didn't recognize walking down our streets. The internet engulfs you in a world where everyone has equal power of speech (I don't mean that in a Declaration sense) and where you must assume that everyone is a greasy, old man in his basement trying to lure you into danger. I played online games like Runescape when I was little and coversed with people I will never meet.

well, i'll start with the 'challenge' piece, just bc i want to use that box, and also pick up the topic of the title, do a little expanding/complexifying (still don't feel quite the same to me, but it's fine, know we can't express every gradation of relationship here:)

interesting to read your piece, anne, layered in terms of time, my memories of those earlier days on web and of you, paul, others exploring that...and my own resistance, so starting with this from your piece:

inviting testimonies re: on-line learning

well i didn't go to the conference but have heard about it from anne and ann and a few other folks, and it does seem as if this is a pretty limited way of interpreting what could be meant by 'blended learning' - which is itself a funny descriptor (isn't all learning 'blended' in that learning is about encounters with and across different experiences, ideas, etc etc?).  at any rate, i really got on to wonder whether other folks are meaning something more expansive and creative by this 'blended learning' tag -- ? and whether or not they do, we can/do...

Anne, thank you for sharing this insightful piece! It's a very good "total mindfuck" exercise that brings up some important questions about how we define our definitions (I spend an inordinate amount of time with linguists and existentialists, but still always find it refreshing to consider how I've characterized life so far in my mind.)

I know this piece will be well-loved by the first years. I sure wish I had read that in my ESEM!

My mistake. My version of progress, rather, is helping others realize their importance.

I do believe it helps others in their "progress" to realize that they are worthwhile, capable of enacting change and progress for others and the world...I've said in my past few interviews that one of my greatest skills is helping others recognize skills within themselves that they might not see on their own. All of this is very cheezy, but I hope that answers your question.