eLearning, Web 2.0, altLearning and...Big Brother?
A former google staff member has developed a new form of education based on algorithms. altSchool monitors student progress, both through performance evaluation and literal surveillance to produce an individualized learning plan for each student. This format raises some questions of it's efficacy and ethics.
Check out the video produced by the BBC above and let me know what you think in the comments below!
I find the surveillance component really disturbing, personally. I wouldn't want that for my child. Nor do I want her learning from a screen all day at age 8.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of differentiation and personalization is nothing new. There were systems in the 60s and 70s working with these ideas. Schools already have these adaptive systems in place for math and reading -- it's not clear how this one is different (beyond that they're still building it and using surveillance). What is lacking to me is an important part of school -- the social element, collaboration, etc. I guess the kids get that at recess, assuming they have recess?
(I can be a real education Luddite, I know ...)