Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The hole in the wall

The power of ONE computer and several open minds...a simplistic experiment with compelling results!

Sugata placed a computer monitor and pad in the side of buildings in the most rural areas of the world.  There was nothing on the side of the building to indicate the purpose of the screen or how to operate it.  It amazes me how curious the children were about the device and how quickly they figured it out.  Even though the children had no knowledge of or experience with computers, they were able to learn how to operate and navigate without issue.  It holds true when children are presented with relevant, engaging tasks learning will occur.

Our focus is changing from teaching to facilitating as we guide our students to become critical thinkers, inquirers, risk takers, etc... in an ever changing world.

How can one argue with what Sugata presented about self organization with children? 

3 comments:

  1. No argument here, but how to we capture and capitalize on that seemingly innate ability of children within our schools? Seems like we should be in concert with this somehow--not in everything we do in schools, but more than we do to retain the natural, organic desire to learn. Perfect proof why teaching is both art and science!

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  2. I concur with your thoughts on the "simplistic" idea of one computer in the hole in the wall. I add that we should not only be facilitators but initiators, encourager, etc. to maximize a student's learning.

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  3. I think challenge comes in establishing an environment in the classroom that supports this exploration, but is structured enough to meet certain basic goals one of which is to ensure that all children have the basic skills i.e. reading, math, writing, etc. in order to function in society. It would be very interesting to talk to him about how he envisions this happening.

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