'Nothing brings down trouble faster than to leave people out.' So said a great man, once. The opposite is also true, as someone found out recently in this great edifice we call UK Education (plc). The issue was, on the surface, a simple one. Students were using instant messaging to cheat during in-class tests. Should IM be blocked during tests? Or totally? Staff were consulted via a general email and that, as you may expect, is when Pandora's box flew open once more:
From: Norton Urnelly (VP)
Sent: 18 November 2009 10:54
To: Gaston Flechette
Cc: SMT
Subject: RE: “Chat” function on VLE poll
Hiya
Conscious that in asking these things some may give an instinctive/reactive response rather than considering how such a thing may in fact contribute to learning/sharing of ideas etc. Not sure (although it may appear undemocratic) that we should take action based on a poll
Norton
As you know, there's nothing worse than someone firing off an email containing an 'instinctive/reactive' response. Senior managers would never do that, thank goodness. But what of the opinion from the chalkface? Surely they can be relied upon to cut to the chase and produce the best working solution for all concerned? Well. . .
From: Ian Portant
Sent: 18 November 2009 10:18
To: Gaston Flechette
Subject: RE: “Chat” function on VLE poll
Hi Gaston.
Your poll misses an important option, which is keep things as they are. I support this option as the on-line tests cannot be taken seriously unless taken under controlled conditions. I’m happy with the way it is!
Ian
Cue Bruce Hornsby and his Range, I think. Or perhaps things are depressing enough as they are.
