Commentary #1

Soudabeh Sabour

Prof. Brown

7/9/2013

In my rough draft, there was not a real introduction and background for the readers, and I had just started the opposing points of views. For the introduction I wanted to make a tangible example of how getting involved in doing something will help learning, and I came up with the idea of finding cookies in the kitchen.

            I changed my thesis statement a few times, and I finally decided to write my opposing paragraphs and then write my thesis. I wanted to find new theories of learning and relate it to internet and computer as a tool to help and improve learning.

            The theory of individual learning is of my interest, since it seems the best achievement in the field of teaching and learning. I tried to simplify the way neurons handle the information, both old and new ones. In order to make it more understandable, I made the example of Lego’s. Pieces of Lego are like information. A lot of pieces of Lego mean nothing unless they are attached together. In order to assemble them, we need all the pieces, and a plan how to assemble them.  Internet and search engines are like tools to provide building blocks of a Lego house. There is no need to waste the energy of mind and brain to find those pieces. We need to focus on how to put them together and build the house.

            The author is not wrong about his claim if we do not learn how to make use of internet in learning. But I think instead of criticizing internet and technology, we need to inform everyone especially students about learning techniques so they can save time. We all know that even Einstein used about ten percent of his mind and brain capability. If he had access to internet he would have done much better.  So we need to learn how to learn to be able to keep up with the improvement in technology and sciences.