The Call to Learn

After watching "How it Feels to Have a Stroke" I looked at the youtube recommendations on the side of the screen and saw 'The Call to Learn' TED talk by Clifford Stoll. Obviously I had to click on the link and watch the video.

Clifford Stoll is an extremely intelligent and energetic man who bounced from topic to topic in this TED talk. But it was very insightful in a few ways...although seemingly tangential.

He begins by describing himself and the topics that he'd love to talk about but won't. Specifically he mentions that 'computers don't belong in schools'  he stated that 'there this idea to bring more computers into schools' but we should 'get and keep them out of schools.'

An interesting statement and topic of debate, if there ever was one. He even states that 'the argument is obvious to anyone who has hung out in a 4th grade classroom.' I went through the book Catching Up or Leading the Way by Yong Zhao and saw a similar quote from the same man, Clifford Stoll. He states "Here are my strong reservations about the wave of computer networks. They isolate us from one another and cheapen the meaning of actual experience. They work against literacy and creativity. They undercut our schools and libraries."

Now I agree with Mr. Stoll in the sense that the reliance on computers by students (and society on the whole) devalues the experience of creating new knowledge much of the time. There are several parts I think I need to address in this statement. First, creating new knowledge: this can be done in a variety of ways and searching on the internet for information and producing a product can be one of them. But I feel like many students just research to find the information and use it rather than really process it. This can 'work against literacy and creativity.' If students are not asked to make their own products with the information and communicate what they know they are not being active learners. They may be diminishing their critical thinking and reasoning skills. Second, as a science teacher many students need hands on experience to truly understand concepts. Thus computers can 'cheapen the actual experience' for some students.  

I also agree with him in the sense that computers can isolate students. Social and emotional development are essential in education. As Stoll also states in the talk, kids today are always on the screen, they don't even go bowling together. School is where many students can develop their social skills and learn to work with one another. Collaborative learning and working is an important part of life. As teachers it is our goal to help our students develop into full citizens ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Zhao also states that two of challenges of technology in education include building our students citizenship [in many senses] and building the skills of our students to live in this world. Technology has so much potential to help students create more and become more active participants in their world and their learning. But as teachers, we have to structure their use to help them build the skills they have and develop the ones they need not just use it.

Back to 'The Call to Learn"....

Stoll also says 'if you really want to know about the future don't ask a scientist [...] ask a kindergarten teacher they know [...] ask an experienced one what society going to be like.'

Good point. They have seen the development of students over the years. I wonder what they see for the future now?

(....that I have no real comment on....maybe an interview in the future)

Lastly he speaks about working on the frontlines as a teacher. He teaches 8th grade 4 days a week and teaches them genuine physics. For instance, as he demonstrates, he measured the speed of sound with them. 'What 8th grader do you know that has done that?' Genuine learning and experience can truly engage students and inspire them to be experts in the field they choose.

Awesome!!