Be Your Own
I just finished perusing Christian Long’s “The Future of Learning Manifesto” last night. Two words: thought-provoking. While reading the blog, I could not help but to agree with his rationale. I often found myself saying: “yes,” “of course,” and “why did I not think of this myself.” It only seems logical that we utilize the tools available to us in the 21st century. Technology was designed to make our lives easier. Why do some of us refuse to adapt?
Fear? Yes, a little. Frustration? Maybe. Obduracy? I think so. However, I think the major factor is time. Americans work the longest hours in the world. Many of us are simply too busy to learn about computers. Then again, there are those of us-and you know who you are-that use time as an excuse. You have enough time to watch three hours of TV each day, but don’t want to learn how to use a computer. The underlying problem thereby becomes an unwillingness to learn.
“Ughhhh computers!” “No thanks, I think I will take a free pass.” I tried it before, but I couldn’t do it.” These excuses are all too common. Americans-mostly today’s adults- need to adapt to best compensate for changes in their lifestyles. For instance, technology now enables us to complete complicated tasks with greater ease. Why should we go about completing old tasks using old ways? Shouldn’t doctors spend more time on practical surgeries rather than memorizing facts they will forget later anyway? They can now obtain the information in a matter of seconds via Google.
“Memorization, memorization, memorization.” AKA: The all too often process by which students today are learning. Along with all else that has changed, the educational process needs to also. Learning to analyze facts and thinking critically will better benefit today’s youth-rather than “useless memorization.” We should be taught how to overcome situations when we face them. We should be taught to think like intelligent adults, and not to recall already known facts. Become your own inventor, leader, teacher, or business leader. Let those who want to continue to memorize facts persist. Let them memorize “your” facts.
“We should be taught to think like intelligent adults, and not to recall already known facts. Become your own inventor, leader, teacher, or business leader. Let those who want to continue to memorize facts persist. Let them memorize “your” facts.”
Tell me about your facts.
My facts consist of forming my own opinion based on factual evidence I review. Too often facts can be misleading or overlooked. In researching a particular incident, I may consider the facts or evidence differently than those before me. I think it is important for us to not just take someone’s word for something, but to discover it for ourselves. We have the right to know the truth.
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