Guiding Principles of the Learner's Manifesto

The statements below seek to answer the questions: What are the purposes most valuable to the preservation of the Internet as a growth-enhancing environment? What goals do we seek in the shaping of the Internet? How do we optimize the Internet as a learning environment for the individual learner? It is hoped that by articulating and seeking redress for the four cardinal virtues below, a more informed leadership can be built to shape Internet development.

In order to preserve growth-enhancing capacities of the Internet we must...

1) Maximize the Internet as a tool for learning and growth. This calls for continued research on the unique interactions that occur between users and the Internet so that better growth can occur. Attention must also be paid to measuring cognitive gain and retention, adopting best practices, identifying exemplary projects, and promoting social dimensions of learning.

2) Promote learner safety. Developers and users must continue to seek ways to classify content, minimize abuse or disrespect, and communicate the risks and responsibilities inherent in Internet use.

3) Commit to equity. The full positive power of the Internet can only be realized if everyone has access to it. We must ensure that individuals can access the Internet regardless of economic status, gender, geographic restrictions, physical abilities and/or culture.

4) Respect property rights. Dialog concerning the balance of fair use and individual property rights must continue with the goal to provide incentives strong enough to preserve the generosity of spirit that has been a part of the history of the Internet yet provide protection from exploitation.

In the best of all possible Internet worlds, individual learners are free to pursue the knowledge uniquely suited to them, joining and exiting learning communities at will. There is reciprocity in the larger sphere of information exchange-- in one community an individual is a learner, in another-the expert. The Internet community of learners can offer learning that is relevant to the real world, learning that can be a means of gaining power/recognition, learning that is active, just-in-time, non linear, multi-sensory, and, of course, learner-centered. And, with attention to the principles above, this valuable resource can be available to all.
 

An Endangered Learning Environment?