Would they end up like those frogs in the slow cooker?

Found this when reading a book "Teaching the Digital Generation - No More Cookie-Cutter High Schools" by Frank S Kelly, Ted McCain and Ian Jukes.

Was doing some reading to gather ideas about design of learning activities as well as organisation of learning activities to create the kind of ecosystem to support the desired kind of learning experiences of our students today.

But what exactly caught my eyes was something quoted at p69:

"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things, because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new."

Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince (1513/2005, p 27)

I was totally amazed! This was exactly who we experienced in a recent hosting of fellow educators!

We assumed that we all have the same goal - that is exploiting the power of technology to elevate the learning outcomes and learners' experiences! But we were caught, by total surprise that these handful of educators mindsets were those of the said-enemies (by Niccolo Machiavelli). They were out there to prove that old ways were better and more 'powerful' in delivering the desired outcomes. They were here to 'prove' that technology was just some fanciful stuff to add colours to the education landscape!

I thought, it should be giving further suggestions and even wild ideas on how we could further leverage on the established ecosystem to move the technology use to the next level! Well, I must say, it was a total disappointment after the session - not because we have yet lived up to what we promised to deliver (as that takes time and I felt we are heading the right direction); it was the mindset, the thinking of this handful of educators who were still living in the old times when technology was a far-and-hard to reach privilege.

After reading what Niccolo Machiavelli penned down more than a century ago, one conclusion - there "were" people who are far-sighted and were able to envision what's ahead (and they are to stay), there "are" also who lived in the old paradigm and even ages before their times... So, it's again, a sweeping statement to say, mankind progresses... 'cos there were those who enjoy the comfort of success created through old ways.

Hm... when change has gone unnoticeable to them, then, would they be ended up like those frogs who are slowly cooked in the soup? Hm...