In response to a Harvard University release summarized by Brain Mysteries: Re: Wiring the brain, through experience Whether our brain’s ‘wiring’ starts minimal and extends through learning or starts maximal and is pruned by learning is less important to our common understanding than ‘getting’ that (to a profoundly significantly degree) our brain’s wiring is learned.
This is in response to David Roberts’ article: “Getting used to being in charge of the planet” David Roberts (DR): “the decisions made by people alive today will determine the fate of life on Earth for centuries to come” Yes. And, it’s always been true that what each generation profoundly affects the generations that follow. The … Read more
A company has developed software that can compete with human authors in writing news stories. Education Week (4-12-12) put out a similar story about a computer competing with college professors at scoring essays. Extreme Tech carried a story (Will an IBM computer be your next mayor?) about the use of IBM’s Watson to manage the operations of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Clearly the machines will extend into replacing humans everywhere it is cost-advantageous and socially acceptable to do so. In light of these changes, WHAT IS THE MISSION OF EDUCATION?
From “Brain Mysteries” 5-2-2012: Tape measures. Rulers. Graphs. The gas gauge in your car, and the icon on your favorite digital device showing battery power. The number line and its cousins – notations that map numbers onto space and often represent magnitude – are everywhere. Most adults in industrialized societies are so fluent at using … Read more
More great evidence for the vastly under appreciated role of learning in brain health and development – another example that not only do “I” learn, “I am learned” – we become who we learn to become. Highly recommended reading. Wall Street Journal: 4-30-2012 The Bilingual Brain Is Sharper and More Focused, Study Says
The other night I received a call from the cable company. The voice explained that it was calling about an appointment I had scheduled and asked whether I wanted to keep the appointment, cancel, or reschedule it. After saying I wanted to keep it, the voice asked me if I or someone over 18 would … Read more
Learning (v) is the exercise of intelligence. Learning(n) is the memory-effects of the exercise of intelligence (like muscle-effects result from physical exercise). To whatever degree our intelligences (physical, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, social, spiritual, visual, musical, etc..) aren’t genetically determined, our intelligences grow – extend – adapt – evolve – improve (whatever other word you might prefer) … Read more
Re Scientific American’s piece: http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=mind-wandering-is-linked-to-your-wo-12-03-17 Working memory is but one of a number of variables to consider when it comes to staying engaged and not ‘drifting’ out. Another under-appreciated cause of mind wandering is the erosion of attention that accompanies skipping over things we don’t understand. Attention is constantly cycling in and out of coherence and … Read more
Neuroplasticity Noun The state or quality of being neuroplastic, of having a brain that adapts to experience (wiki) neuro- a combining form meaning “nerve,” “nerves,” “nervous system,”used in the formation of compound words: neurology. plastic capable of being molded or of receiving form NEUROPLASTICTY: ANOTHER WORD FOR LEARNING PLEASE… We can’t sustain our efforts without your help. If you think we are on the right track, or even one that should be given consideration, then please help … Read more
e-volve v. e·volved, e·volv·ing, e·volves v.tr. 1. a. To develop or achieve gradually: evolve a style of one’s own. b. To work (something) out; devise: “the schemes he evolved to line his purse” (S.J. Perelman). 2. Biology To develop (a characteristic) by evolutionary processes. 3. To give off; emit. v.intr. 1. To undergo gradual change; develop: an amateur acting group that evolved into a theatrical company. 2. Biology To develop or arise … Read more