Sociality and Idea

Chris Lott: From Plato to Perl: the Problem of Sociality and the Idea provides stimulating insights into various aspects of education and learning.

Here are some ideas that I have picked up, and would like to reflect upon:

As a learner, to build up the capacity to self critique and self actualise, and be a different learner with a mindset of creativity and openness to new learning

What is important in learning? 

Concentration and listening is important in learning.

How could concentration and listening be achieved?

These could be achieved through meditation.

How to practise meditation? 

Slow blogging

How do we practise mind meditation? 

Having a space of contemplation.

What is meditation?

Anything done with focus, awareness or mindfulness is a meditation.

What is a Theory of flow?  

How could we experience and achieve that flow?  By over-learning, that means through repeated practice, and reflection, until we are in a state of mind that we could perform the task naturally. 

What about echo chamber in social networking?

Avoid the trap of echo chamber in social networking. Sometimes this may happen in blogging when we are only receptive to like-minded responses, and avoid any constructive criticisms.  Echo chamber may not allow for self-criticism, especially when we do not want to listen and respond to constructive feedback.

What is important in social networking?  Engage in diversity – diversity of views, perspectives, networks, ecology.  Look for new and different perspectives that would add to our learning, that would spark the fire of creativity.

How would I perceive learning?

Learning would then become a self-perpertuating activity. 

What does learning over social networks require?

Learning over social networks requires openness and trust.

Who is my friend? 

A friend is one before whom I may think aloud.

What are the virtues we should aspire in our life?

1. Wisdom and knowledge
2. Courage
3. Humanity
4. Justice
5. Temperance
6. Transcendence

Thanks Chris for his inspired presentation.

John

Postscript: Here is the full keynote in text