A little slow, but seemed to have a lot of good thoughts. I think a one of the most important points made in this presentation was that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills, and behaviors. Closed minds are exactly that, and won't allow one to grow very far. Being open doesn't mean agreeing with or accepting everything one hears, but being willing to consider and assess, and reach an more informed conclusion.
I also liked the point that learning occurs everywhere, not just in formal educational institutions. Learning can occur anywhere and anytime. Having spent time in formal institutions (educational institutions that is), I'd also like to note that much of the truly important learning that occurs there isn't necessarily connected with the actual subjects being taught, but comes more from the interactions with others and being exposed to multiple and varied perspectives.
While goals are helpful, and can help one define what they want to achieve, I think its important to realize that you don't have to have a goal to learn. You can learn by accident, and most people do all the time (especially if they are open minded).
Viewing problems as challenges and challenges as opportunities -- wow, that just gave me shivers and brought back bad memories of being presented "opportunities to excel" in my old career, which usually meant "we're sticking you with this because no one else wants it".......ughh
The one caution I have about what was presented here is about technology. While I agree that technology is a very important tool, I think people really need to realize that it is only a tool, it is not a replacement for using your brain......I worry that the more we rely on technology, the less we are able to think and do for ourselves. Just watch someone struggle over simple math at the cash register and you'll see what I mean......be careful that technology doesn't take over, you still need to use your mind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Hear, hear! Or is that "here, here"? Nevermind! I too, look at these newfangled whizbang toys and software packages as tools. Sometimes I believe we get too close to the fire for our own good..we gaze deeply, become too fascinated and then lose sight of how close we are to the heat..we overreach and then get burned.
All things in moderation. Learn to surf, post a comment, put some order to your files, then go out and play and enjoy the glories of fall! Salud!
Jay Cross (and others) write often about "informal learning" -- exactly what you talk about -- that 75% or more of what we learn about how to do our job comes from colleagues and co-workers, not in classes or formal training. And, it's the kind of learning that happens when we need it, in the way we need it.
Finding ways to share that collective wisdom expands our capacitiy as a learning organization.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
Aristotle
Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing.
A friend of mine said that the real test is to be able to contemplate two diametrically different points of view, and allow that they may both be equally valid.
Hey RR, I definately agree that learning doesn't just happen in a formal situation. In fact, I believe that some of the most meaningful learning experiences are total serendipity.
Hey... looks like you're getting quite a few comments on this blog! I couldn't agree with you more. Too bad I didn't see this before I posted my blog... I would have plagiarized! All this thinking hurts my head...
An old, old, lifetime learner:
pretty obvious who I am
Post a Comment