Too much commentary?

On my recent trip to Canada, I picked up a magazine called "WIRED," full of all kinds of techy information. This magazine was not geared towards an education audience, but it had many articles that were relevant. One article discussed commenting and rating systems online. The point of the article was that through all this commenting, and we slowly stripping away our own sense of self and opinion? Doesn't reading someone's opinion already start to sway and form your own? A fascinating article!

The Road to H-E-double hockey sticks is paved with,,,,

ideas like these! Ugh!  I am amazed that now web 2.0 tools that allow educators to engage students in academic studies are being made illegal because they are viewed as tools that allow predatory teachers to victimize students.  People, and I don't call them teachers, who do this are sick, need help, and certainly have no place in the realm of education... but I digress!  Why is the solution to take away potent tools and resources from teachers who are "teaching them well" or stripping the shy student of tools that enable them to interact with adults in an easier manner?  I think Missouri needs to take a second glance at these tools being used appropriately before they put the kabosh to the lot of them!

... but first,

I am finding myself agreeing more and more with the modern concept of learning through collaboration. However, there is one point in particular that keeps me from jumping in with both feet: I have an awful big curriculum and only 183 days to get my students to be proficient in it.

I believe teachers can speed up the learning that goes on in collaborative efforts by focusing on the entry level skills which are necessary for collaborative success. Foremost, teachers must teach listening skills, as well as, polite ways to ask for someone to clarify what he/she means.

I'm sure there are other requisite skills, but I'm also sure that the ones mentioned here are essential for time-effective collaboration.

PS. As a reader of this post, do you have the skill to ask politely for clarification if you do not understand what I am trying to express?