Maybe it was because the kids spent 2 hours running around in circles hitting each other with balloons (best $3 we spent in ages), or because M was up until midnight the previous night when we had a friend visit and stay late… but for what ever reason they kids went to bed very early last night.

I’d already watched Heroes… so I decided to visit some Universities.

GETTING INTO THE UNIVERSE (NOT UNIVERSITY)

First I popped into an Introduction to Astronomy lecture at Berkely, it focused on “Our Galaxy”. Our miniscule life span was rudely put into perspective when the lecturer pointed out that life on earth has been around for about 500 million years which in turn is nothing compared to the age of the sun which is thought to be 5 billion years old… makes my 35 years and counting a mere blink.

Then to help gain some self esteem in the importance and ability of human kind I stuck my head into the Psychology Department at MIT to hear a lecture on Cognitive Development. I considered checking out the Politics lectures at Stanford but decided to call it quits for the night instead.

You are right – I did not leave home to do all this… it was thanks to the magic of the internet. I accessed the University lectures for free via Itunes U but I believe there are a number of similar options available.

UNSCHOOLING MYSELF

My discovery of Itunes U and seeing the growing access to information via such tools, reminded me of how accustom to institutionalised learning I have become.

In fact I often find it challenging to apply the principles of unschooling that I have embraced for our children to my own life and learning.

The thought that I can follow my own passions and interests; discover through experiences and explore further via tools like Itunes U; connect with mentors in fields that inspire me; access courses, books and resources on my terms – all this seems so powerful and consistent with unschooling… yet there is a security in the “treadmill” of school/ course/ job that my conservative side is also drawn too.

When I allow myself to let go of the comfort and security of institutions… I can feel a freedom wash over me. It is a freedom of possibilities and potential. The thought that I can learn, develop and grow in any direction I choose. That I can choose how I contribute to, connect with and create in this world (universe?). Fundamentally, that I can live and learn passionately.

For me thinking this way marks a massive paradigm shift which I must continue to work on to maintain, let alone foster. I am grateful that for our unschooled children it will simply be a way of life.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS