I found this video very intriguing. Sugata Mitra notes a problem in education, there are areas of the world where schools cannot be built and the best teachers will not go. I was blown away by Mitra's method of bringing knowledge to the children in these areas of the world. His "Hole in the Wall" technique of placing computers with internet access in areas of New Delhi was an extremely creative idea. The children began teaching themselves how to use the technology and began learning in English.
The fact that the children were learning on their own, unsupervised, confirmed that all children are hungry to learn and can learn if given the opportunity. He noted that in some instances the children began to research further on the subject matter he had given them. It was neat that the children's English accent improved because it was the only way that the computer could understand what they were saying.
Do you think that all children are this eager to learn? Why are these specific groups of children eager to learn and taking responsibility for their education?
Works Cited
Mitra, S. (2010, September). Child Driven Education. Retrieved from Technology Entertainment Design: http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education.html
I think that younger children, like those in the video, are eager to learn. It's something new and interactive and brings excitement to the table. I believe this children especially are eager because in their country they do not get to experience a "normal" education like other children in more privileged parts on the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Danielle and Katie when they say children want to learn and are eager to learn. These children learned so much by just exploring this "hole in the wall" technique. I there should be more educated teachers willing to go to under privileged schools and actually take the time to efficiently teach these kinds of students. Children want an education and want to learn, its up to us as teachers to help with this process :)
ReplyDeleteI think that our problem is that too many children here are not eager to learn because they have had everything given to them. The children in these videos have not been privileged and they can appreciate something like this.
ReplyDeleteWhenever you don't have all the resources you need, you have to be resourceful and make do with what you have. If what you have is appreciation for what you have and a drive to learn, then maybe that is better than conveniences.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments you all! Children are not only eager to learn, but they also enjoy discovery learning opportunities.
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