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RoboClass

Robo class was amazing. We are doing the golf ball box challenge. There are 7 or 8 groups (I think) and they are all coming up with some very unique solutions to the problem of herding 10 balls into the center hole without falling in. Very creative group. I'm not entirely sure that we won't end up with a golf ball through the window and I'm really hoping that no one gets nailed if one goes flying, because at the moment, both seem to be a real possibility. My favorite part is at the end though. I've been having them meet back in the class room for a "debriefing" session. Each group reports out on their progress and problems. Tonight was a really good session. Lots of interaction, lots of good ideas going back and forth, lots of dynamic conversation. It's working out really well to have them start class with a planning journal to help them focus on what they need to do that class and then finish up with a debriefing session and reflective blog entry.


What's also cool is the interaction between my current students and the alumni students and visitors like Eric. Tonight, for example, a couple of groups were having some minor structural problems so I sent Joe over to help out. For those with some programming glitches, Alex and Dominick helped out. They know how to help without giving the answer... how to share just enough to get the group on their way. They are learning how to facilitate learning in others, which I love.

I have a quote as part of my teaching philosophy that says:

"The revolution of Socrates is to change education from the transmission of culture, to the development of self-reliance. If you want to function at the highest effectiveness as a teacher, then it is not enough to teach a subject to a student. Your goal must always be to teach the learner to be a teacher. Then the student is functioning at his highest relationship to the content, and to himself." ~ Jensen, Brad. "Education is not broken." DEOS
I like that!

The quote below was a from a conversation with energizer bunny boy this morning. I have about 6 versions of walking robots in various locations around my office. Most are Joe's but Bill is trying it out also. It's been fun to see how the different versions are evolving.

Bill These walking robots are so aggravating.
Debby: Why?
Bill: Because they won't WALK!!
Debby: ROFL
Just wanted to share a night in the life of my robo geeks :)

Posted by Debby on May 1, 2007 11:21 PM
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