February 13, 2008
First, thanks for all the thought-provoking comments on my previous post, due in vast majority to Dy/Dan’s deeply generous link, and resulting in what is my writing’s first (and no doubt only) translation into Swedish (actually, it’s Norwegian– see comment below. Ed.) Life is good. I am taking time to sift through it all and let it percolate, and will be writing a response in the next few days.
Setting all unintentionally controversial talk of tech aside, the post title is not an oblique reference to myself but the song featured here. Josh Ritter is my new boyfriend. Er, new favorite singer/songwriter/poet. He’s going to remind you of Dylan, perhaps, including the scruffy beard. Today, he’s reminding me of why I teach English in the first place. Enjoy.
February 13th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
It’s actually Norwegian - not Swedish! Anyway, hope you don’t mind the translation of your main points, which I found very useful (and I did recommend people go and read your post to get the full context of the questions).
We are in the middle of a national debate here on the way ahead for Norwegian schools after very disappointing results in PISA and other international tests. A certain backlash against anything “modern” and a desire to return to the “good old days” has been one reaction.
I believe technology can bring benefits if it is integrated in pedagogically sound ways. But is always good to keep in mind sceptical questions like those you asked in your post.
Don’t rule out possible future translations into Norwegian if you keep posting good stuff!
February 13th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Ah, music. Now you’re in my blogging territory. Welcome. Josh Ritter is pretty good, and I went through that phase about a year ago at this point. Try on Ray LaMontagne for size. He’s stunning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIUSikXex5w
February 13th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
@Jorn: apologies– I took a wild stab based on the alphabet and missed– but I’ll make it up to you by saying that I spent a few days in Oslo and the fjords several years ago and will never forget their stark beauty.
@Joe: Josh Ritter was your boyfriend too? How nice. Re: Ray LaMontagne– sold. That was beautiful.