When Kids Can Teach Themselves

Sugata Mitra conducted an experiment in which he went to schools in poor areas and left computers there. The children in these places had likely never even seen a computer for and were not given any kind of instruction as to how to use it. Without any guidance, the children amazingly figured out how to use the computers and some of the software that was on them such as photo software and games. The video of his experiment is a great example of our course topic this week. Children can use technology to demonstrate and learn higher order thinking skills even without lessons on their use. These children were able to to use strategies such as collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving.  Since their problem was authentic, not only did the children solve their problems, but they determined what the problem was as well. This proves that if kids are really interested  and engaged in something, they are able to teach themselves to some extent. Technology can provide authentic and engaging tasks for our children and can help them to become better thinkers even without a formal lesson plan. They can do much of this on their own!



Check out another blog about this video here!