A) "The competitive ability is the ability to learn." (pg. vii)
"The same technological revolution that has been responsible for the acute need for better learning also offers the means to take effective action." (pg. viii)"The central thesis of this book is that the powerful contribution of the new technologies in the enhancement of learning is the creation of personal media capable of supporting a wide range of intellectual styles." (pg. ix)
Come to our final session with some examples from your own experience at using an educational technology supporting learning and teaching as Papert describes in his book. Pictures or samples of student work would be an excellent addition. During our final session we will have a discussion of Papert's ideas and time permitting an opportunity to produce a multimedia presentation (HyperStudio, mPower, or Powerpoint) in which you discuss and criticize his ideas as they pertain to your own personal experience working with technology. (pictures & student samples might be included in the presentation)
B) Discussion & Homework Questions for first discussion. (Please come prepared to discuss the "discussion questions" and have typed out the "homework questions". D = discussion; H = homework)
1. Papert's contention is that there is a serious difference between Schoolers and Yearners.. How might each make different use of technology in their classes? (H)
(Discussion). What significance to the education profession, is the success of our youth at learning video games?
(Discussion) Examine Papert's explanation of the cultural transition from letteracy to media-based literacy .
2. Chapter 3 School: Change & Resistance to Change
How does Papert characterize the integration into education of computers & technology, historically? What is "megachange" and why hasn't it taken place? (H)
(Discussion) What is the paradox he points out when comparing megachange in medicine to megachange in education? pg. 56)
We will examine a video presentation in which Allan November provides a model for automating and informating as a method of integrating technology into education, and compare and contrast Papert's and November's ideas.
3. Chapter 4 Teachers
Papert relates several stories surrounding "unique" learning situations; Joe the 5th grade teacher, Thelma another 5th grade teacher, Columnist Fred Hechinger's story about the chemistry teacher, and finally Brian and Henry. These stories were used to illustrate his contention about the correlation (positive/negative) between educational hierarchy and curriculum, to changing learning environments. Describe this correlation. (H)
(Discussion) What is the "school's immune response" to change? (pg. 58 "...School's immune response often snatched away the success they {teachers} did achieve.")
(Discussion) What is the "pluralistic" change he calls for on pg. 81?
4. Chapter 5 A Word for Learning What are mathetics and heuristics ? (H)
(Discussion) Papert spends a great deal of Ch. 5 discussing how his learning about flowers provided some insight into his learning style. Provide a personal example of a "mathetical" or "heuristic" experience in your own learning. (ie. an awareness or learning experience that was directly related to the way you think and learn and make connections.)
C) Questions for next discussion session