The hole in the wall experiments are exactly the kind of thing I love to lean about. I wrote about them in 2006, what kids can learn.
Research finding from the Hole in the Wall foundation:
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The sociometric survey found:
- Self-organizing groups of children who organize themselves into Leaders (experts), Connectors and Novice groups.
- Leaders and Connectors identified seem to display an ability to connect with and teach other users.
- Key leaders on receiving targeted intervention, play a key role in bringing about a “multiplier effect in learning” within the community.
- Often girls are seen to take on the role of Connector, who initiates younger children and siblings (usually novices with little or no exposure to computers) and connects them to the leaders in the group
I believe traditional education is helpful. I believe people are “wired” to learn. They want to learn. We need to create environments that let them learn. We need to avoid crushing the desire to learn (stop de-motivating people).
If you want to get right to talking about the hole in the wall experiments, skip to the 8 minute mark.
Related: Providing Computer to Remote Students in Nepal – Teaching Through Tinkering – Kids Need Adventurous Play – Science Toys You Can Make With Your Kids