In this YouTube video, 13-year-old Logan LaPlante discusses the troubles that we are currently having in our schools. Being a student himself, LaPlante has an extremely unique perspective on the topic of education. He asserts that the two most important needs of a student are not being met within the classroom. He has come to the conclusion that the two things children need most are confidence that they are happy and confidence that they are healthy. He comments that our educational system is more concerned with students "making a living" rather than "making a life."
Based off of Dr. Walsh's research, LaPlante notes that there are 8 different elements that determine the overall happiness and healthiness of any individual. These include:
This brings LaPlante to his concept of "hackschooling." He first redefines the term "hackers," noting that they are innovators who look at the system differently so as to change it. To LaPlante, hackschooling includes things such as technology, creativity, experiential classes, and the happy and healthy 8 TLCS listed above. All of these things come together in his educational pursuit to inspire and challenge him to think outside of the box.
Instead of being a recipient of the district's curriculum, he is able to create his own learning environment. Using his passions as a springboard, LaPlante explores different topics that are of interest to him specifically. This is an approach that I believe would be great to implement into our classrooms. I truly believe that it is important to ask students what their passions are and allow them to explore those in the classroom. LaPlante proves that we learn best by having a grip on what we enjoy to do and we teach best by having a grip on what the students enjoy to do.
Technology then becomes the platform through which students can learn about who they are and what they enjoy. In the video, LaPlante is extremely hands on. He builds things, constructs devices, and researches all day long. All of which are done through the use of technology. Therefore, it becomes the tool that allows students to explore their interests. By allowing one student to examine his or her own interests it is to the advantage of all society. When we equip students, through the use of technology, to use their gifts and interests they will continue to develop into a citizen that can make this country come alive.
Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman
LaPlante, Logan. TEDxTalks. (2013, February 12). Hackschooling Makes Me Happy/Logan LaPlante/TEDxUniversityofNevada. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=h11u3vtcpaY
Based off of Dr. Walsh's research, LaPlante notes that there are 8 different elements that determine the overall happiness and healthiness of any individual. These include:
- Exercise
- Diet & Nutrition
- Time in Nature
- Contribution & Service
- Relationships
- Recreation
- Relaxation & Stress Management
- Religion and Spirituality
This brings LaPlante to his concept of "hackschooling." He first redefines the term "hackers," noting that they are innovators who look at the system differently so as to change it. To LaPlante, hackschooling includes things such as technology, creativity, experiential classes, and the happy and healthy 8 TLCS listed above. All of these things come together in his educational pursuit to inspire and challenge him to think outside of the box.
Instead of being a recipient of the district's curriculum, he is able to create his own learning environment. Using his passions as a springboard, LaPlante explores different topics that are of interest to him specifically. This is an approach that I believe would be great to implement into our classrooms. I truly believe that it is important to ask students what their passions are and allow them to explore those in the classroom. LaPlante proves that we learn best by having a grip on what we enjoy to do and we teach best by having a grip on what the students enjoy to do.
Technology then becomes the platform through which students can learn about who they are and what they enjoy. In the video, LaPlante is extremely hands on. He builds things, constructs devices, and researches all day long. All of which are done through the use of technology. Therefore, it becomes the tool that allows students to explore their interests. By allowing one student to examine his or her own interests it is to the advantage of all society. When we equip students, through the use of technology, to use their gifts and interests they will continue to develop into a citizen that can make this country come alive.
Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman
LaPlante, Logan. TEDxTalks. (2013, February 12). Hackschooling Makes Me Happy/Logan LaPlante/TEDxUniversityofNevada. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=h11u3vtcpaY