Sugata Mitra, A School in the Cloud
How does this Ted Talk make you think about your role with young people in online environment?
I appreciate how Mitra tells us his little story...his Why. The points he make are valid. The public education system we currently know has been around for a long time. Even though the curricula have developed, the essence has stayed the same. Children are still taught in a standardized and industrialized way. As with anything that comes from centralized control, it is highly inefficient and bureaucratic.
Although, the current classroom system is outdated. Fortunately, many schools are now embracing changes and implementing new programs within their schools. Schools and educators are embracing the idea that children learn in many different ways...some are best suited to learn through visual stimulation, others hands-on education. As Robinson pointed out, each child is unique, each with a different personality and preferred way of learning. Under the current system, each child is bundled under one standardized umbrella. When considering the different types of learners, it is easy to see why some get left behind.
I see Mitra's point that children are natural learners and are inquisitive as baby George so joyfully showed us. I love his inspiring story and his findings were impressive. However, I do not think school in the cloud is the answer to the issue at hand. Nor do I believe, all a student needs is a "granny" overseeing their discoveries with encouragement. Students thinking needs to be challenged. As Wesch, points out questioning things is part of the analytic mind and a key to societal development. Teachers need to help students find the answers. Teachers need to help students make sense of the information.
Mitra is looking towards the future. The world today and the needs of the society are completely different to what they used to be. We are not only training people to work locally but globally. There is no question technology will be part of the future. I personally, lean toward Wesch's vision for the future.
"Education can be encouraged from the top-down but can only be improved from the ground up"
-Sir Ken Robinson
I hear your worry that this could lead to teacher being obsolete. I don't think that it is what Mitra intended but it is certainly a realistic concern and a possible implication of his work. good points.
ReplyDeleteHi Christina, I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you that questioning and creativity is key in developing the minds of students who are entering the workforce of the 21st century!
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