It would seem that we find ourselves at
the end... but where then should I begin? So far, Collins has
discussed the evolution of technology both in the classroom and out,
the development of the information age, and the transition that the
current, historically rooted, educational systems are working
through. However, I have felt somewhat strongly that his arguments
thus far have been aimed more at congnition than application. This
was to change in his final few chapters.
His initial thoughts, beginning where
we left off (p.104), offer us a bilateral argument about technology.
The simple fact is that as we spend more time socializing virtually,
we are slowely losing our interpersonal, real life, social skills. It
is by far a simpler way to text message someone, than to call them,
or even to meet in person. We can even now work collaboratively, via
the internet, on any number of projects, across any length of
distance. Is the trade off worth it? Possibly. Human beings have a
psychological need for company, but we need to moderate the physical
with the virtual or we become isolated. Even a virtual community can
become a lonely and desolate place to exist. Even the skills we may
aquire (time management, marketing, prpbability, group dynamics...),
as he points out, from utylizing the gaming industry can lead to such
places. MMOS and forums can only take us so far.
The next point that really stood out
for me was his throry about the acquisition of credentials to build
our experiences. It reminded me of the educational system found in
Lois Lowry's, The Giver.
Although a distopian novel, the schooling was based in first
observations of the youth's apparent interests and strengths,
followed by matriculation into a graded system of specialization,
culminating in an apprenticeship and a career. I remarked, while
discussing the book, that it sounded like it could work and I second
that upon hearing Collin's ideas. The main concern is how to
transition into such a system when even now we have no alternative
routs for students, save high school.
Lastly,
cultivating a culture of life long learners is a noble endeavor. I
believe that such a system, as described by Collins, could very well
bring about the future he paints, but it will be a hard pill to
swallow for many families. Even if we manage to get individual
laptops fro every child, and provide adaptive software,
individualized learning programs, and career councilors, until we
have a multi generational understanding of comprehension and
learning, it won't succeed to the extent that we so desire. We need a
comprehension generation to grow up and instill what they've learned
to their children,. I feel that such a generation could easily adapt
to changing media and create a homogeneous culture of competent,
critically thinking, individuals.
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