Comments on: The Distributed University http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: De la Web Recombinante a La Universidad Recombinante? http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47487 De la Web Recombinante a La Universidad Recombinante? Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:05:02 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47487 [...] a un fantástico post de Victoria en un blog que nadie debería perderse, descubro un post de W. Richardson y otro de J. Jarvis sobre lo que ellos han convenido en llamar “Distributed [...] [...] a un fantástico post de Victoria en un blog que nadie debería perderse, descubro un post de W. Richardson y otro de J. Jarvis sobre lo que ellos han convenido en llamar “Distributed [...]

]]> By: ¿Universidad distribuida? ¿universidad informal? ¿universidad? | e-Academia.es http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47479 ¿Universidad distribuida? ¿universidad informal? ¿universidad? | e-Academia.es Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:11:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47479 [...] hoy en Weblogg-ed un interesantísimo post que me recuerda muchas de las discusiones que han tenido lugar en mi departamento en los últimos [...] [...] hoy en Weblogg-ed un interesantísimo post que me recuerda muchas de las discusiones que han tenido lugar en mi departamento en los últimos [...]

]]> By: Kara Whittingham http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47459 Kara Whittingham Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:02:43 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47459 Indeed. Maria Montessori believed that children could start taking responsibility for their education choices from the age of 3. Children love to be given the opportunity to take responsibility for choosing what they learn and to follow their interests in their learning. This Montessori approach to education has produced some very independently creative thinkers, such as Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon.com), and Sergey Brin and Larry Page (co-founders of Google who credit their Montessori education for much of their success). Indeed. Maria Montessori believed that children could start taking responsibility for their education choices from the age of 3. Children love to be given the opportunity to take responsibility for choosing what they learn and to follow their interests in their learning.
This Montessori approach to education has produced some very independently creative thinkers, such as Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon.com), and Sergey Brin and Larry Page (co-founders of Google who credit their Montessori education for much of their success).

]]> By: Kara Whittingham http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47458 Kara Whittingham Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:52:29 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47458 Sue, you have raised an issue that I have been mulling over for quite some time. You nailed it when you said, of your daughter's study, "Could she learn more through her own exploration? Quite possible if she had a network to connect with and guide her!" It has become my vision to create just such an online network for K-12. The current school system is so outdated and so often stifling the very creativity, individual freedom of thought, and collaborative cooperation that is needed today. So, I have started to work on building a wiki that K-12 students could connect to to have the kind of experience you suggest your daughter might get more out of. I would love to hear if you have any ideas about what such a network should look like? Cheers, Kara Sue, you have raised an issue that I have been mulling over for quite some time. You nailed it when you said, of your daughter’s study,
“Could she learn more through her own exploration? Quite possible if she had a network to connect with and guide her!”
It has become my vision to create just such an online network for K-12. The current school system is so outdated and so often stifling the very creativity, individual freedom of thought, and collaborative cooperation that is needed today. So, I have started to work on building a wiki that K-12 students could connect to to have the kind of experience you suggest your daughter might get more out of.
I would love to hear if you have any ideas about what such a network should look like?
Cheers,
Kara

]]> By: Amanda http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47386 Amanda Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:52:59 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47386 I find this topic really interesting because as technology advances, so does the classroom. More parts of the classroom are being offered online, such as classroom activities, notes and exams. If all of these portions can be found online, why not create more classes for non-traditional students online. I do not think that we should get rid of four year universities all together because I believe that college is not only for the classroom experience, but also for someone to learn about themselves. But by allowing some to choose what class they want to take online and from what teacher, this would allow some to get a higher education while working, which would benefit our country immensely. I find this topic really interesting because as technology advances, so does the classroom. More parts of the classroom are being offered online, such as classroom activities, notes and exams. If all of these portions can be found online, why not create more classes for non-traditional students online. I do not think that we should get rid of four year universities all together because I believe that college is not only for the classroom experience, but also for someone to learn about themselves. But by allowing some to choose what class they want to take online and from what teacher, this would allow some to get a higher education while working, which would benefit our country immensely.

]]> By: Laura http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47372 Laura Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:24:15 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47372 I love your use of the term “shifted-intellectual.” As a college student, I feel there is an overbearing amount of pressure on most high school juniors and seniors to choose a four-year college. The truth is that this option isn’t for everyone, and parents and counselors need to help their student explore the other options that are available, rather than pressuring the traditional path. There are online colleges, study abroad programs, junior colleges and exceptional vocational schools that should be considered, along with many other options and variables. Just because a student does not choose the four-year university does not mean he or she is “anti-intellectual,” just as you have put it. I can relate, as my younger sister is a high school senior who recently committed to Western Illinois University, her last resort school, and is still very uncertain about her decision. The fact that my older sister has a degree from a four-year institution and I am also enrolled in one, puts great pressure on her to do the same, although I feel she would be better suited to attend a junior college at least for a year and decide then if she wants to transfer to a university. The world has become a place where a degree is almost required for a desirable job, and the bureaucracy, limited choices, and “jumping through hoops” of getting a degree is often a waste of time and money that leads to less being learned than in the past. However, as you said yourself, we don’t really have the “answer” to solving this problem, so what can anyone really do? I love your use of the term “shifted-intellectual.” As a college student, I feel there is an overbearing amount of pressure on most high school juniors and seniors to choose a four-year college. The truth is that this option isn’t for everyone, and parents and counselors need to help their student explore the other options that are available, rather than pressuring the traditional path. There are online colleges, study abroad programs, junior colleges and exceptional vocational schools that should be considered, along with many other options and variables. Just because a student does not choose the four-year university does not mean he or she is “anti-intellectual,” just as you have put it. I can relate, as my younger sister is a high school senior who recently committed to Western Illinois University, her last resort school, and is still very uncertain about her decision. The fact that my older sister has a degree from a four-year institution and I am also enrolled in one, puts great pressure on her to do the same, although I feel she would be better suited to attend a junior college at least for a year and decide then if she wants to transfer to a university. The world has become a place where a degree is almost required for a desirable job, and the bureaucracy, limited choices, and “jumping through hoops” of getting a degree is often a waste of time and money that leads to less being learned than in the past. However, as you said yourself, we don’t really have the “answer” to solving this problem, so what can anyone really do?

]]> By: Karl Fisch http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47358 Karl Fisch Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:58:22 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47358 Thanks Gary, that book was already on my list - of course that list keeps getting longer and longer thanks to you. Thanks Gary, that book was already on my list – of course that list keeps getting longer and longer thanks to you.

]]> By: Gary S. Stager http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47351 Gary S. Stager Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:04:51 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47351 Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges http://tinyurl.com/26xcdm Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges

http://tinyurl.com/26xcdm

]]> By: Gary S. Stager http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47350 Gary S. Stager Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:04:14 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47350 I highly recommend the following book (if the link works). It's called, "Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges" <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FColleges-That-Change-Lives-Schools%2Fdp%2F0143037366%2F&tag=resourcesforprog&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="nofollow">Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools that Will Change the Way You Think About College</a> If not, this link will work - http://tinyurl.com/26xcdm I highly recommend the following book (if the link works). It’s called, “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges”

Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools that Will Change the Way You Think About College

If not, this link will work – http://tinyurl.com/26xcdm

]]> By: Gary S. Stager http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47349 Gary S. Stager Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:56:08 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47349 Karl, A wise person once told me that you should never make educational decisions based on cost. The way the elaborate financial aid system works, small elite private colleges often cost as much to a poor(er) student as a large public college. But that's not the point either. The investment in an expensive college may in fact be worthwhile, but only if it's good. The cost doesn't guarantee quality either. I attended a small private music conservatory and two large state colleges. There were terrific educational opportunities at both. The best thing going for American higher education may be its availability, even if it is outrageously expensive. The alternative is a system, like that found in Europe and Australia where a tiny fraction of kids have any chance of attending university and a single test score determines the lockstep course of study (subject/discipline) available to them. That is an appalling option and violates all of the best of American cultural mythology - pull yourself up, etc... Just like in large urban public schools, it's certainly possible for large universities to simulate intimacy for their students. I can find any kid in America a college or university they can attend. From there, it's largely up to them what they make of the experience. Karl,

A wise person once told me that you should never make educational decisions based on cost. The way the elaborate financial aid system works, small elite private colleges often cost as much to a poor(er) student as a large public college. But that’s not the point either. The investment in an expensive college may in fact be worthwhile, but only if it’s good. The cost doesn’t guarantee quality either.

I attended a small private music conservatory and two large state colleges. There were terrific educational opportunities at both.

The best thing going for American higher education may be its availability, even if it is outrageously expensive. The alternative is a system, like that found in Europe and Australia where a tiny fraction of kids have any chance of attending university and a single test score determines the lockstep course of study (subject/discipline) available to them. That is an appalling option and violates all of the best of American cultural mythology – pull yourself up, etc…

Just like in large urban public schools, it’s certainly possible for large universities to simulate intimacy for their students.

I can find any kid in America a college or university they can attend. From there, it’s largely up to them what they make of the experience.

]]> By: Karl Fisch http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47345 Karl Fisch Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:47:46 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47345 I agree that other colleges - especially public ones - can learn a lot from colleges like Bard. But is there any evidence they are doing that? In a perfect world, my now eight-year-old will attend a small, liberal arts college that will meld the best of what college has to offer today with the best that technology has to offer (primarily global connections and even more personalized learning, although I do wonder if that personalized learning might necessitate more of a "distributed" university). But it's not a perfect world. Based on current indications (which I know can change since she's only 8), she won't get admitted to any of those small, liberal arts colleges. There are many students like her. And many of the students that could get admitted can't afford to attend. So, by default, if something resembling our current system of higher education exists 10 years from now, what are the options for her and students like her? Probably those large public institutions that - and this is painting with a broad brush - most likely look very different than Bard. So while I remain hopeful as well, for K-12 and higher ed, I think that's mainly because the alternative is so depressing. I agree that other colleges – especially public ones – can learn a lot from colleges like Bard. But is there any evidence they are doing that?

In a perfect world, my now eight-year-old will attend a small, liberal arts college that will meld the best of what college has to offer today with the best that technology has to offer (primarily global connections and even more personalized learning, although I do wonder if that personalized learning might necessitate more of a “distributed” university).

But it’s not a perfect world. Based on current indications (which I know can change since she’s only 8), she won’t get admitted to any of those small, liberal arts colleges. There are many students like her. And many of the students that could get admitted can’t afford to attend. So, by default, if something resembling our current system of higher education exists 10 years from now, what are the options for her and students like her? Probably those large public institutions that – and this is painting with a broad brush – most likely look very different than Bard.

So while I remain hopeful as well, for K-12 and higher ed, I think that’s mainly because the alternative is so depressing.

]]> By: Gary S. Stager http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47271 Gary S. Stager Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:29:57 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47271 Bard IS expensive, but there are lots of lessons other colleges (especially public ones) may learn from them. I once asked the President of Bard why they don't admit X percent of their students entirely at random since I believe that their constructivist approach would benefit all learners. He agreed and told me that I was correct and naive :-) My central thesis remains 1) that there are lots of higher education choices available and we don't avail ourselves or our kids of them; and 2) that higher-ed is not devoid of innovation. As I've told Will in the past, it's too easy to beat up on unnamed college bogeymen when his real beef is with the sclerotic local elementary school. I remain optimistic that the local public schools hold the capacity for improvement. Bard IS expensive, but there are lots of lessons other colleges (especially public ones) may learn from them.

I once asked the President of Bard why they don’t admit X percent of their students entirely at random since I believe that their constructivist approach would benefit all learners. He agreed and told me that I was correct and naive :-)

My central thesis remains 1) that there are lots of higher education choices available and we don’t avail ourselves or our kids of them; and 2) that higher-ed is not devoid of innovation.

As I’ve told Will in the past, it’s too easy to beat up on unnamed college bogeymen when his real beef is with the sclerotic local elementary school. I remain optimistic that the local public schools hold the capacity for improvement.

]]> By: Karl Fisch http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47260 Karl Fisch Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:16:44 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47260 Hmm, Google U sounds vaguely familiar, although I could’ve sworn it was spelled GoogleYou. :-) I struggle, too, with how most students will put together a learning experience that rivals the best of what college can offer today. I see the possibilities, but still have trouble with the details. But, on the other hand, how many students are getting the best of what college can offer today? @Gary – Bard sounds wonderful, but it’s $36k per year and “Bard expects applicants to have pursued a rigorous course of study including honors and/or advanced-level courses if offered at their secondary school.” That eliminates at least 95% of our students. I’m sure there are many good choices, but the only thing similar I know of in my area is Colorado College - $40k and a similar level of preparation. So, can folks list some good choices that are possible for the bulk of our students? And can somebody please start working on those details I mentioned above, because my eight year old isn’t getting any younger . . . Hmm, Google U sounds vaguely familiar, although I could’ve sworn it was spelled GoogleYou. :-)

I struggle, too, with how most students will put together a learning experience that rivals the best of what college can offer today. I see the possibilities, but still have trouble with the details. But, on the other hand, how many students are getting the best of what college can offer today?

@Gary – Bard sounds wonderful, but it’s $36k per year and “Bard expects applicants to have pursued a rigorous course of study including honors and/or advanced-level courses if offered at their secondary school.” That eliminates at least 95% of our students. I’m sure there are many good choices, but the only thing similar I know of in my area is Colorado College – $40k and a similar level of preparation.

So, can folks list some good choices that are possible for the bulk of our students? And can somebody please start working on those details I mentioned above, because my eight year old isn’t getting any younger . . .

]]> By: WorldWideBlog » Blog Roundup 3/3/08: Secret Ballots and Shiny New Software http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47225 WorldWideBlog » Blog Roundup 3/3/08: Secret Ballots and Shiny New Software Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:34:19 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47225 [...] offers a fascinating post on the concept of the ‘Distributed University.’ I suspect there are some logistical barriers in the way of students and profs worldwide [...] [...] offers a fascinating post on the concept of the ‘Distributed University.’ I suspect there are some logistical barriers in the way of students and profs worldwide [...]

]]> By: The ‘advancing’ higher education « Pbailey2’s Weblog http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/comment-page-1/#comment-47166 The ‘advancing’ higher education « Pbailey2’s Weblog Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:28:25 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/the-distributed-university/#comment-47166 [...] As I was doing my weekly reading, I checked up on Will Richardson’s blog and the title The Distributed University caught my eye, being a student at a [...] [...] As I was doing my weekly reading, I checked up on Will Richardson’s blog and the title The Distributed University caught my eye, being a student at a [...]

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