Mary's Minute
“Education is a social process; education
is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself.”
― John Dewey
I
spend a lot of time reflecting on the meaning of learning – after all we are an
institution of learning. I am interested
in the dialogue of today, and I get excited listening to the educational theorists
of today. Yet, I still find myself drawn
to the philosophy of John Dewey, an educational philosopher who was born in
1859. Dewey believed in the social
nature of education, as well as the notion that true learning is a continual
process. For learning to truly be
learning, it must continue after the actual experience. I am intrigued at how Dewey’s thinking fits
with how technology has changed the way we think about learning. Over one hundred years ago, “social” meant
something very different than it does today, but the way it relates to learning
is the same. Dewey understood that
learning needed to involve interacting with others through face to face
discussions and reading/writing. Today
the same is true, but because of technology our social sphere of influence is exponentially
greater. Learning is still the dynamic,
transformative act that it was in Dewey’s time, but because of technology the
effects can be even more powerful. Today
we can connect with people across the globe, and interact through multiple
mediums. It is indeed an exciting time
for learning! I think John Dewey would
be invigorated by how his theories still hold true, but are even more powerful
because of technology. Learning – what an
energizing adventure!
Have
a great week!
Mary
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