Is it dangerous to empower users or should we have a more inclusive approach to design?

Futurelab’s Power League has been nominated for the New Statesman New Media Awards 2008. Tim Reader takes a look at the tool which presents users with the question “Who do you wish had the most power?”

We’re in the process of doing some background research on tools that are being, or could be, used to support pupil involvement in the BSF/PCP design processes. We’re interested in the levels of engagement that different tools and approaches can facilitate.
Do any of you out there have any examples of tools, resources or techniques you’d [...]

The Victorians viewed children as ‘little adults’ - which justified sending them to work at the age of 8; expecting them to be silent in the presence of their betters (’older’ adults) and to deal with a complex world with little emotion. As we celebrate learners having more ‘voice’ and involvement in authoring educational experiences, are we at risk of requiring young people to take on too much responsibility for their learning at too young an age?