After hearing the visions in class and reading them on the website, I find myself agreeing completely with Mike Pennisi's vision. We both have take a very practical view, which I feel in essential in such a discussion. Visions of technological advances have always been apart of our society. A good example is the popularity of Star Trek and it's spin-offs. Advancement is seen as good for all that are involved.
While I was thinking along the same line as Mike, he hit on an essential topic that I had not considered- childcare. The child should be considered first, not the technology. Connecting with the rest of the world is exciting and inspirational but if the children we work with cannot understand, relate, and learn within the environment around them, then the rest of the world isn't an important issue. It was a great point and I am glad he thought to add it to the discussion.
I also agree that technology will expand the range of instructional tools that may assist the teacher. Look at how much we are able to use it now. Schools are already connecting their classrooms to the Internet. An interesting development to watch will be the creation of instructional sites that provide interactive programs to assist and expand the educational resources currently available.
Technology will surely change the way people look at education. It will spur the imagination and give new vision to some. In the background though, a voice of reason and practicality will be what provides balance between the advancements and the quality of education.