Abstract
This paper describes the effect that assistive technologies, such as paper, printing, protractors, logarithm tables, computers, and the Internet, have on pedagogy. It reports the results of experiments with self-organising systems in primary education and develops the concept of a self-organised learning environment (SOLE). It then describes how SOLEs operate, and their possible effects on primary education in remote areas, and discusses the implications of the physics of complex systems and their possible connection with self-organised learning amongst children. Finally, it proposes a change in the examination system that would incorporate the Internet and concepts of self-organisation into schooling.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
CALResCo [Complexity & Artificial Life Research Concept] (2007). Complex systems glossary. New Mills: CALResCo. http://www.calresco.org/glossary.htm.
CCSSI [Common Core State Standards Initiative] (2014). English language arts standards, history/social studies, grade 6–8. CCSSI. http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RH/6-8.
Dangwal, R., & Kapur, P. (2008). Children’s learning processes using unsupervised “hole in the wall” computers in shared public spaces. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24(3), 339–354.
Dangwal, R., & Kapur, P. (2009a). Learning through teaching: Peer-mediated instruction in minimally invasive education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(1), 5–22.
Dangwal, R., & Kapur, P. (2009b). Social networking effect at “HiWEL” kiosks amongst children. Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, 3(4), 290–305.
Dangwal, R., Sharma, K., & Hazarika, S. (2014). Hole-in-the-wall learning stations and academic performance among rural children in India. Journal for Multicultural Education, 8(1), 31–53.
Dangwal, R., & Thounaojam, M. (2011). Self regulatory behaviour and minimally invasive (MIE) education: A case study in the Indian context. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 7(1), 120–140.
DeBoer, J. (2009). The relationship between environmental factors and usage behaviors at ‘Hole-in-the-wall’ computers. International Journal of Educational Development, 29(1), 91–98.
Elmenreich, W., & de Meer, H. (2008). Self-organizing networked systems for technical applications: A discussion on open issues. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 5343, 1–9.
Heisenberg, W. V. (1927). Über den anschaulichen Inhalt der quantentheoretischen Kinematik und Mechanik [The actual content of quantum theoretical kinematics and mechanics]. Zeitschrift für Physik, 43(3–4), 172–198.
Huxley, J. S., & Huxley, T. H. (1947). Evolution and ethics: 1893–1943. London: The Pilot Press.
Inamdar, P. (2004). Computer skills development by children using ‘Hole in the Wall’ facilities in rural India. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 20(3), 337–350.
Inamdar, P., & Kulkarni, A. (2007). ‘Hole-In-The-Wall’ computer kiosks foster mathematics achievement: A comparative study. Educational Technology & Society, 10(2), 170–179.
Mitra, S. (2010). Give them a laptop and a group of pupils will teach themselves. The Guardian, educational supplement, 19 October.
Mitra, S. (2012). Beyond the hole in the wall: Discover the power of self-organized learning. New York: TED Books.
Mitra, S., & Dangwal, R. (2010). Limits to self-organising systems of learning: The Kalikuppam experiment. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(5), 672–688.
Mitra, S., Dangwal, R., & Thadani, L. (2008). Effects of remoteness on the quality of education: A case study from North Indian schools. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24(2), 168–180.
Mitra, S., Ritu, D., Shiffon, C., Jha, S., Bisht, R. S., & Kapur, P. (2005). Acquisition of computer literacy on shared public computers: Children and the “hole in the wall”. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 21(3), 407–426.
Mitra, S., Tooley, J., Inamdar, P., & Dixon, P. (2003). Improving English pronunciation: An automated instructional approach. Information Technology and International Development, 1(1), 741–783.
Shannon, C. E. (1948). A mathematical theory of communication. The Bell System Technical Journal, 27, 379–423, 623–656. http://cm.bell-labs.com/cm/ms/what/shannonday/shannon1948.pdf.
SOLE [Self Organised Learning Environment] (2014). Organizational website. https://www.theschoolinthecloud.org/.
Taylor, M. (2007). Battle in print: The debate over examinations is little more than a War of the Poses. Battle of Ideas. November 20. http://www.battleofideas.org.uk/index.php/site/battles/1072.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
The work described in this paper was made possible through the support of Newcastle University, the 2013 TED Prize, Microsoft Corporation, and James Tooley. I gratefully acknowledge their contributions and those of my colleagues in England and India, along with comments from referees.
About this article
Cite this article
Mitra, S. The future of schooling: Children and learning at the edge of chaos. Prospects 44, 547–558 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-014-9327-9
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-014-9327-9