It's been a while since our last post. Yes, this is mostly due to having too much fun with Mr. Laptop and other Christmas presents to have time for the blog. However, Sam's explorations have provided a wealth of things to write about.
One of the concepts behind the OLPC is that children would explore the computer on their own and learn through experience. This is certainly how I learned about technology and science when I was a kid and it's great to see this available for my son as well. All too often it seems that people want information to come to them. They feel that learning is the responsibility of the teacher, rather than something they actively do themselves. This was a constant source of frustration for me when I taught computer related night classes. Many times I lamented how many students seemed to want me to open up their heads and pour the knowledge in. I always tried to structure my classes so the self motivated would thrive and the rest could survive. A bit harsh, yes, but effective.
Thankfully, Sam has already learned a healthy level of self reliance and self motivation, and he certainly has no shortage of creativity. His work with the OLPC XO is no exception. For instance, while riding in the car last week on the way to his grandmother's house, he tired of simply watching the videos on Mr. Laptop and invented an activity where he would pause the video, then get out his crayons and paper and draw what was on the screen. These creations would then periodically be passed up to his proud mother in the driver's seat. So what could be derided as a passive non-educational aspect of this computer was turned into something creative. And this happened spontaneously. Before this experience, Sam didn't even know how to pause the video, but he figured that out and took it another step and integrated the computer with physical art. It's a simple act for sure, but quite impressive for a five year old. (..though I may be a bit biased in my appraisal! )
It's important to remember that kids will find ways to learn even when they are doing what is ostensibly a non-educational activity. Video games, idle reading and just playing around with a computer can lead to creativity and new skills. Adults fret about the educational value of our children's activities, but kids just have fun and learn.
