Education is something I feel strongly about. And I think most people should. We spend 16 of the first 20 years (give or take) of our lives in schools and sure, we learn things, but extremely slowly. Should we consider a change?
My cousin once mentioned that a toddler first discovering the world absorbs so much information at a rate that they will never achieve again throughout the remainder of their life. I find that outstanding.
We grow up in a new world, with unlimited communication possibilities and access to almost anything you'll ever need to know. And that access is increasing at incredible rates! We went from libraries, to computers to internet on a wrist watch in 50 years. So why are we still educating our youth the same way as we did 50 years ago?
This is such a huge concern and yes, I see it slowly changing. Now I'm not talking about asking us to use a computer to type essays, or even research essays. For example, I'm finally in classes where we use Excel and other software as the main tool for calculations. I think its a step in the right direction, but it can get better, 10-fold. In a world with access like never before, our methods for learning are still from text-ridden, dry, and sometimes abstract textbooks. How can we possibly think this is effective? A 12 year old can use the internet better than any 40 year old, but both parties use the internet very differently. As those who are in the know, we need to guide the youth of today into becoming the most effective adults of tomorrow. Teach them to use the internet as the most advanced tool out there, instead of a way to play games in class.
As easy as it is to get distracted on the internet, like I am right now, it's my absolute primary source for almost everything. Have a question? I ask google over anyone else. Need to build something? YouTube that before reading the manual. Its endless. Need an outsiders opinion or advice? Hit up a forum, or Reddit. Need to talk to someone on another continent? Skype is a few clicks away. It's astonishing, and so many people don't take advantage nearly as much as they should.
Using the internet to connect us no matter where we are doesn't just have to be for entertainment, or catching up with a long-lost friend. Why don't we connect the professionals of today with those of tomorrow. Spend time with mentors in the field you want to be in. Work with them, and learn from them. Seeing and interacting with, essentially who you want to be down the road, is a one-stop ticket for motivation.
So why aren't we taking advantage? I've talked about it before, but those who write the rules are set in their ways. Until we learn to adapt, as previous humans have done so well in the past, change will be slow, and inefficient. But that doesn't mean it won't happen. This reminds me of a song by John Mayer. AND I QUOTE,
"One day our generation, is gonna rule the population, so we keep waiting, waiting on the world to change."
Someday we'll get it. And the benefits will be world-changing. Remember, you as an individual can make a difference. Speak out, drive the conversation, drive the change.
Until next time,
J
My cousin once mentioned that a toddler first discovering the world absorbs so much information at a rate that they will never achieve again throughout the remainder of their life. I find that outstanding.
We grow up in a new world, with unlimited communication possibilities and access to almost anything you'll ever need to know. And that access is increasing at incredible rates! We went from libraries, to computers to internet on a wrist watch in 50 years. So why are we still educating our youth the same way as we did 50 years ago?
This is such a huge concern and yes, I see it slowly changing. Now I'm not talking about asking us to use a computer to type essays, or even research essays. For example, I'm finally in classes where we use Excel and other software as the main tool for calculations. I think its a step in the right direction, but it can get better, 10-fold. In a world with access like never before, our methods for learning are still from text-ridden, dry, and sometimes abstract textbooks. How can we possibly think this is effective? A 12 year old can use the internet better than any 40 year old, but both parties use the internet very differently. As those who are in the know, we need to guide the youth of today into becoming the most effective adults of tomorrow. Teach them to use the internet as the most advanced tool out there, instead of a way to play games in class.
As easy as it is to get distracted on the internet, like I am right now, it's my absolute primary source for almost everything. Have a question? I ask google over anyone else. Need to build something? YouTube that before reading the manual. Its endless. Need an outsiders opinion or advice? Hit up a forum, or Reddit. Need to talk to someone on another continent? Skype is a few clicks away. It's astonishing, and so many people don't take advantage nearly as much as they should.
Using the internet to connect us no matter where we are doesn't just have to be for entertainment, or catching up with a long-lost friend. Why don't we connect the professionals of today with those of tomorrow. Spend time with mentors in the field you want to be in. Work with them, and learn from them. Seeing and interacting with, essentially who you want to be down the road, is a one-stop ticket for motivation.
So why aren't we taking advantage? I've talked about it before, but those who write the rules are set in their ways. Until we learn to adapt, as previous humans have done so well in the past, change will be slow, and inefficient. But that doesn't mean it won't happen. This reminds me of a song by John Mayer. AND I QUOTE,
"One day our generation, is gonna rule the population, so we keep waiting, waiting on the world to change."
Someday we'll get it. And the benefits will be world-changing. Remember, you as an individual can make a difference. Speak out, drive the conversation, drive the change.
Until next time,
J
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