Isn’t it amazing when someone surprises with unique and creative way of thinking?! It’s like a burst of energy that sets the whole team on fire and sparks a brilliant light of innovation! Last week we had one of these AHA moments during the training of the education team in ORT Hashahar Ulpana, which was conducted by the team of our Gorelnik Innovation Center of ORT.
The theme of the workshop was transportation. But one group of participants took it to the next level by focusing on autonomousvehicles.
They brainstormed, ideated, gathered information, and more, and then, out of nowhere, an awe-inspiring teacher took the stage and presented a pitch that left everyone breathless! This teacher owns a semi-autonomous car, however she’s too anxious to press that button and let go. She compared that fear to the feeling she has when she releases a student to study independently! The fear of letting go …
We dived deeper into the parallels between autonomous cars and independent learning.
Here are a few interesting thoughts which we’d like to share:
The Obvious: Autonomous vehicle drives without a driver. An independent autonomous students study without a teacher.
Autonomy: The autonomous vehicle relies on sensors and advanced tech to navigate the roads. Autonomous students take full responsibility for their education, setting goals , and exploring resources to learn and grow.
Learning Process: The autonomous vehicle learns through algorithms and machine learning, collecting information during its operations to adapt and improve its driving abilities. Autonomous students engage in self-directed learning, conducting research, expanding their knowledge, and honing their skills independently. They take full responsibility for their education and growth.
Making Decisions: The autonomous vehicle relies on pre-programmed rules and real-time data analysis to make decisions regarding speed, lane changes, and more. It prioritizes safety and efficiency. Autonomous students make decisions based on their own judgment, interests, and goals. They have the freedom to choose their learning path, conduct research, and determine their areas of focus.
Feedback and Evaluation: The autonomous vehicle receives feedback through its sensors and systems, constantly evaluating its performance and making necessary adjustments. This enables it to recognize dangers and take corrective actions to improve its driving skills. Autonomous students rely on self-evaluation and external feedback mechanisms to assess their own progress. They reflect on their learning, seek feedback from their team, colleagues, and even use AI powered tools, adjusting their strategies to enhance their understanding.
Limitations: The autonomous vehicles still face challenges in handling complex and unpredictable scenarios, such as unique road conditions and severe weather. Continuous improvements and updates are required. Autonomous students encounter challenges related to motivation, access to resources, and a lack of training. Their success lies in their self-discipline, organizational skills, and proactive approaches to overcome these obstacles. This is a vital point to consider!
Autonomous vehicles focus primarily on driving.
Independent autonomous students, on the other hand, focus wholeheartedly on the exhilarating journey of learning and personal growth!
To wrap it all up:
The fear of pressing the button and releasing… the fear of losing control… This fear is shared by the teacher, the parent, and the student themselves, as they embark on the transformative journey of independent learning. It’s all about taking that leap and embracing the magic of exploration and growth!
So what do you say about this comparison?
Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and learning!
Credit for this interesting blog goes to our very own innovation manager, Michal Shulman – Thank you!