Figure 1: A MIE learning station at Village D. Salhundi, Karnataka, IndiaOkay, the title there is no joke... I am actually going to tell you all about a hole in the wall. But this is no ordinary hole. It's a hole in the wall which can stimulate learning. Now, don't think I'm crazy, because I wasn't the one who invented it...
This is actually the name of a study conducted in India by Sugata Mitra and others. Experiment: "Hole in the Wall" (HIW). You may be wondering, what hole in the wall?? ...the hole in the wall refers to public computers (somewhat like the picture above). This study was conducted by placing public computers in 17 locations in rural India. This was to test whether children in these rural areas, where due to their socioeconomic positions may have poor quality education, would actually benefit these HIWs in their self-learning.
It turned out that this experiment did do some good. It proved that, no matter what background a child is from, they are able to learn to use the computer on their own without assistance of teachers or instructors.
Here's what the experiment indicated:
Remembering my wee days
In the article, it was mentioned that when a child is put in the situation in which they are to complete something, they will do it, especially if they are in the curiousity mode.
Back in the US, I remember having to complete tasks in the form of reports at as early as the age of 8 years old. There was this task I find still fresh in my mind. It was in the 3rd grade (equivalent to Year 3 in Malaysia). I had to draw, type up a report, and present about the late Princess Diana.
What other source would I have but the internet to find the information. This obligated me to use the computer. Remembering back... yes, I don't remember any scaffolding involved in having to learn how to use Microsoft Word or the internet browser. It was all self learning... This shows how just any kid can learn to use the computer if given access and opportunity.
For the full study coverage, CLICK HERE.
This is actually the name of a study conducted in India by Sugata Mitra and others. Experiment: "Hole in the Wall" (HIW). You may be wondering, what hole in the wall?? ...the hole in the wall refers to public computers (somewhat like the picture above). This study was conducted by placing public computers in 17 locations in rural India. This was to test whether children in these rural areas, where due to their socioeconomic positions may have poor quality education, would actually benefit these HIWs in their self-learning.
It turned out that this experiment did do some good. It proved that, no matter what background a child is from, they are able to learn to use the computer on their own without assistance of teachers or instructors.
Here's what the experiment indicated:
"Children are able to learn to use computers and the Internet on their own, irrespective of their social, cultural or economic backgrounds."
(Mitra & Rana, 2001; Mitra, 2004)
Remembering my wee days
In the article, it was mentioned that when a child is put in the situation in which they are to complete something, they will do it, especially if they are in the curiousity mode.
Back in the US, I remember having to complete tasks in the form of reports at as early as the age of 8 years old. There was this task I find still fresh in my mind. It was in the 3rd grade (equivalent to Year 3 in Malaysia). I had to draw, type up a report, and present about the late Princess Diana.
What other source would I have but the internet to find the information. This obligated me to use the computer. Remembering back... yes, I don't remember any scaffolding involved in having to learn how to use Microsoft Word or the internet browser. It was all self learning... This shows how just any kid can learn to use the computer if given access and opportunity.For the full study coverage, CLICK HERE.
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