I was recently talking to one of my close childhood friend’s mothers, Vicki Sampietro. She had recently become the head of alumni for the grade school I went to, Immaculate Conception in Memphis, TN. We started talking about the future of schools and education and how technology has changed both so drastically over the years. Smart boards have replaced chalk boards. Textbooks are almost completely online. Homework and extra help are now on school forums. The list was endless. We mainly talked about how many major cities have had pushes to online schooling as an alternative to public and private schools. No different than what universities have been doing for over a decade and a half, but now it was available to even grade-school-aged children.
When I look back on my childhood, after my family, school was probably one of the most important players in shaping the person I am today. It taught me many things about myself I could have never learned online.
Self motivation. Let’s face it, when we were in junior high we were more into playing video games than doing homework. But teachers were there to connect with us and figure out what motivated us individually to excel to our own best.
Creativity. I was lucky enough to grow up in a very creative and diverse city. My teachers exposed us to new ideas and ways of thinking. They inspired us to create and be who we are. In my opinion, creativity is one of the most important things in the world. Without creativity, we do not invent.
Leadership. The social relationships with peers taught me when to lead and follow. When you were good at a sport you became the team captain. When assigned a group science project, you led the group if you knew the most about the topic.
But most of all it taught me how to mentor.
I’m not really sure you could ever learn these things under “core curriculum” or in an online environment.
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
