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From the Editor: Arguing to learn |
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![]() by Margaret Rouse, Editor
"I argue very well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me." -- Dave Barry
There's a trend in online learning right now called "arguing to learn." The basic premise in this Socratic twist is that arguing with your peers online encourages you to gather, evaluate, and organize information. By arguing about a particular subject, you learn about your own misconceptions and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives. One reason arguing is such an effective learning tool is that people tend to be wildly optimisitic about how well they
understand their own positions.
There's no doubt about it, the Internet is changing the way we learn. It's also changing the way we mentor each other professionally. A good mentor, like a good teacher, is no longer the "sage on the stage," but more like a "guide on the side." With all the information available to us online, we're all mentors and we're all learners.
In our new learning series, Face-off, we invite you to learn more about an IT topic by reading a short debate and adding your two cents to the discussion. The more people who participate in the discussion, the more we'll all learn!
As Professor Eric Mazur points out in this article from the National Science Foundation, "Arguing to learn is not hands-on. It's brains-on." Go ahead. Be a mentor and learn something.
This Week's Debate: The Can Spam Act
The Can-Spam Act of 2003 is a commonly used name for the United States Federal law more formally known as S. 877 or the "Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003." In this week's face-off, editors Mark Lewis and Sarah Lourie debate the effectiveness of the legislation.
Step 1. Face-off: Can Spam
Read what Mark and Sarah have to say about the Can Spam Act of 2003
Step 2. Sound Off
After you vote in the Quick Poll, share your position by Sounding Off!
Not a TechTarget member? Not a problem! E-mail your thoughts to us at [EMAIL PROTECTED].
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More Face-off topics |
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Face-off: Microsoft vs. Linux
The Linux-Windows debate may never be settled, but each camp's vigorous arguments are an endless source of entertainment. In this face-off challenge, Site Editor Jan Stafford leads the charge for Linux, while a counter-argument by TechTarget Editor-in-Chief Paul Gillin comes to Redmond's defense.
Face-off: Enterprise wireless LANs
Wireless LANs are popping up everywhere from Kinko's to Starbucks, but do they make sense in the enterprise? While SearchNetworking.com Site Editor Sue Fogarty argues that the convenience provided by a wireless LAN doesn't justify the security risks, SearchWebServices.com Assistant Site Editor Krissi Danielsson disputes that claim, saying the transition to wireless LANs is natural and inevitable.
Face-off: Thin clients vs. fat clients
When it comes to clients, one of our editors says "thin" shouldn't be a four-letter word. After all, he argues, thin clients are cheaper, more secure and fit perfectly in a browser-based world. Still, the real benefit of fat clients is that they unleash people's minds to do creative -- and productive -- things with technology.
Face-off: Offshore outsourcing
There's probably no greater threat to U.S.-based IT worker job security than offshore outsourcing. Some argue the practice is sleazy and if it doesn't stop it will likely do irreparable damage to our economy. Others counter saying the fear of job loss will keep U.S. workers competitive--so stop whining. Two of our editors argue the finer points.
Face-off: Hiring a hacker
There's very little fence-sitting on the subject of hiring a reformed hacker. You're either willing to trust someone whose skills once landed them in trouble with the law, or you're not. SearchSecurity.com editors Crystal Ferraro and Mia Shopis take up the debate here.
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| SAN School |
| So what is SAN School?
If this is the first time you are asking yourself, "What's a SAN?" -- SAN School is for you.
If you are implementing your first SAN and need implementation and migration help -- SAN School is for you.
If you are far along in the SAN process and need to extend your SANs or connect SAN islands -- SAN School is for you.
The authors of "Storage Area Networks for Dummies", Christopher Poelker and Alex Nikitin, are your SAN School professors.
School is in session -- enjoy!
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