| |
Exploratory Learning Background Data
The Minds Alive approach to exploratory learning has evolved from my study of the work of Marshall H.
McLuhan (191l-1980) of the University of Toronto. His book, Understanding Media-The Extensions of Man,
1964, is, I believe, one of the most important books on communication of the 20th century. In this work
he introduces the idea that all of the forms and structures we conceive and employ in our working and
living situations are extensions of ourselves in the environment. These extensions function as media of
communication with which we are able to extend our reach and influence in the world. They serve to help
us to create the means by which we are better able to adapt to our changing circumstances and to achieve
a greater development of our talents and abilities.
These extensions have directions of their own, however, and exert considerable influence upon our actions
and our world that can pull us way off course, if we are not careful as to how we interact with them. This
is very powerful information that meshes with all the new information about how our brain works in
communicating our ideas and thoughts and relates very well to the new information of the sciences in the
new physics, biology and chemistry of today.
This form of learning has been around since the beginning
of time, but has existed below our level of our consciousness until recently.
What is important about this new information is that it is representative of a powerful form of nonverbal
communication which requires learning a new set of playful, exploratory information processing skills.
These skills are primarily perceptual skills that enable us to “see” and to identify the structural
patterns of the various forms and relationships of our different interests and endeavors. It is then a
matter of shaping these patterns into new relevant ideas, forms and relationships of our times. This is
a form of communication that is vitally important in helping us in filling the gaps and fissures opening
up in our lives as a result of our rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this regard, it helps us
deal more effectively with the complexities and speed of the information flow of our times.
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
The Play Factor is a key tool of exploratory learning. It introduces us to exploratory learning in a
relatively easy to understand form. It is a major step in helping us gain better control over the
structuring process of bringing our ideas, thoughts and visions to life in our different interests.
Exploratory learning requires a certain amount of play for it to function effectively. In fact, if
there is no play in this learning process, there is no “real” learning taking place, that is, there is
no depth learning of the kind needed in the realization of our intentions. Stated more simply, no play,
no learning in this exploratory process. This discovery based approach to learning and achievement in the
development of our perceptual, exploratory skills is of great significance to the success of our people,
young and old alike, in this new information age. In fact, we are very seriously handicapped without
them.
|
|
