Becta back down
15-April-2005
permalinkShould email lists into research and ICT for learning be in the hands of government funded agencies or do we need community control of such lists?
Becta have backed down on the closure of their mailing lists for the duration of the UK elections. This afternoon an email was sent out re-opening the list (see below). A victory of sorts for common sense. And clearly Becta were embarrassed by the publicity that they attracted. But the whole affair has raised other issues.
First is the role of politics in e-learning. Research and practice cannot be dissociated from decision making and policy. The second is the role of Becta in 'owning' the lists. Maybe lists of this sort need to be under the control of the community as a whole and not in the hands of a government funded agency.
"Good news! Following discussions between Becta and the office of the Permanent Secretary Government Communications, it has been decided that our discussion group will be reinstated as of today.
We will post all outstanding messages this afternoon.
We apologise again for the interruption to the service, but are very glad things can get back to normal a month earlier than anticipated."
Please be sensitive to the fact that we cannot post any messages that could be perceived as political in the run-up to the Election.
