So last time I wrote about the need for open-ended education, without a pre-designed pathway. And today, while randomly searching TedTalks, I came across a video for a new type of computer called Siftables (watch the talk here). These small blocks are interactive mini-computers that can link to each other and can be controlled through everyday motions such as turning, flipping, pouring, etc. The brilliance of the idea is that it is the beginning of Nelson’s idea of computer oriented education. These blocks allow users to do math, reading, colors, music, and even allow one to create stories. And while they are “user-friendly”, it’s not in the sense of an iPod or a personal computer, but it’s easy because you use these computers as you would use any object in everyday life. For example, to mix colors, one takes two Siftables of whatever color, and pours them onto a blank Siftable to create a new mixed color. The beauty of the interface is that it is natural, not because we’ve learned about it, but because its something we already do. The program enhances our natural learning process, rather than teaching us about a program that will then teach us how to learn. All this makes me think that we might be beginning to realize the potential for computers to aid us in work and learning.
One Comment
Hi Shelby,
Thanks for your comment on my blog! Childhood education is certainly a very interesting topic, and I their ability to be innovative in a very unique kind of way is fascinating. One thing that always captures my interest is whether or not children will now be almost constrained by the way that technology works (more computer time, less time outside, less time using “free imagination,” not just what they can produce in the form of visualizations on a screen). There’s a great book called “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv that I’d recommend if you’re interested in the interaction of childhood play, environmental stimulation, and the role of electronic media in development. On the other hand, I watched the video from this post, and those siftables look really cool! They may have even more beneficial applications for children with autism spectrum disorders or learning disabilities, too!