During the part of the New Learners of the 21st Century video when Quest to Learn was being discussed, I was a little taken back. Although I knew that schools such as this existed, it was a little mind boggling to see. I appreciate and understand where the teachers and creators of this school are coming from; however, it just seem like it wouldn't feel like a school environment. Perhaps I cannot fully imagine going to a school like this because of my own personal schooling experiences. In grade school, although we used technology sporadically, we stuck with traditional methods. Even attending SNHU online was an adjustment to me; schooling that revolved an online database seemed impersonal, and I was not sure if I could adjust to the new experience.
One quote that stood out to me within the video, was said by a teacher at Quest to Learn. The teacher stated, "All a video game is, is a set of problems you must solve to win." Although I have always thought of particular games, such as sudoku, in this manner, I had never thought to associate this with all video games. Now as I reflect on this statement, I can appreciate where this teacher is coming from. In order to succeed in video games, you must possess a sense of logic. Within a logical mind, comes the ability for problem solving and common sense.
Allie
New Learners of the 21st Century. PBS, 2011.
When the teacher stated, "All a video game is, is a set of problems you must solve to win." I had the same reaction that you did. I believe some video games have a specific purpose to be used as a learning tool but the majority of the video games people play are not for educational purposes. That being said, although they are not specifically meant for educational purposes (math ,science, history, etc.), the person playing the game is constantly having to use their mind to advance throughout the game.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you were unsure of that type of learning and how you thought it wouldn't really feel like a school atmosphere when you wrote about the Quest for Learning school. I think it is a different way to teach and learn. It makes me think about an article I read about a family who did not send their children to a traditional school rather home schooled them and allowed them to follow their passions about what they were most interested in. Check out this article Family sends kids to college by age 12 Here is a video Video It is also a different way of teaching and learning. It is just crazy. I think if we think differently about learning, many things are possible!
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