Very challenging words in the post linked below to the idea of a brick & mortar school. Haiti is the context of the post, but the argument is made for everyone, everywhere. I still think we need places to gather and share as a community. I agree schools do not have to be “military canteens” or “information cafeterias,” but I think schools are still needed as community learning hubs. I think the forms schools take can and should vary by community, rather than having the monolithic model of the 20th century. In a place like Haiti, after a huge disaster, perhaps there is a greater opportunity as well as obligation to re-invent schools than we have in less economically challenged areas?
Should the school change agenda be equally revolutionary, however, even if the economic circumstances are less stark? Thinking like this reminds me of educator John Holt. I wonder how many OLPC advocates share these views wholeheartedly? These are revolutionary ideas indeed.
Spend money on training and XO laptops instead of bricks and mortar schools
Timothy Falconer of the Waveplace Foundation is leading an amazing OLPC deployment in Haiti on a shoestring. He really has my respect with his Haiti rebuilding done right methodology. …
This message was shared via my6sense
Sent from my iPhone
If you enjoyed this post and found it useful, subscribe to Wes’ free newsletter. Check out Wes’ video tutorial library, “Playing with Media.” Information about more ways to learn with Dr. Wesley Fryer are available on wesfryer.com/after.
On this day..
- Discussing “IRL Online” with the #digiURI Media Club – 2020
- What Paperless Debate Can Teach Us About the Classroom of the Future – 2019
- Celebrating Good Memories of Bob Sprankle – 2015
- Make a Windows Laptop Into a Chromebook with Chromixium – 2015
- Resources for Going 1:1 in School – 2011
- 99¢ Podcast: iPhoneography – 2011
- 99¢ Podcast: iPad Quick Edit Videography – 2011
- Google Chrome OS Netbooks: Coming in mid-2011 #gct – 2010
- Compressing Audio Lecturecasts for Publishing with Switch Software – 2010
- Alternative Free RSS Reading Tools: feedly (for FireFox) and MobileRSS for iPhone – 2009
Comments
One response to “Training and student laptops instead of bricks and mortar schools?”
Thanks for this post, Wesley. Having spent most of my teaching career in schools heavily invested in buildings and equipment, I can say that what makes for education in the interaction between the students and the resources (the teacher being one).