As technology advances, many voices around the world are expressing concern about the potential impact it may have on the workplace, research, and all areas of life, including education.
“The idea is that students feel excited about what they do and the problems they solve. In my case, I teach bioethics, which is one of my areas of interest. And we analyze with the students aspects such as the study of stem cell genetics and even the possible genetic modification to make a baby to their liking. This discussion is important because it teaches what should and should not be done. Thus, students are very excited to learn,” she says.
He adds that “technology gives us powerful tools for individuals and in this context, bioethics raises the question of the ethical dilemma of using tools such as artificial intelligence.”
Based on this dilemma, the guidelines that the school created by Elon Musk proposes to create the schools of the future are generated:
1. Decision making
According to Rosemary Rhode, “the learning exercise begins with a question about any topic, so they interact and make decisions. This helps them understand the importance of their opinions, their weight, and at the same time, they create links in their environment.”
That’s why they don’t venture into a traditional system, but rather take the subjects that really interest them. One of the analysis methods is the formulation of dilemmas, in order to choose options. and thereby open debate among students; this exercise allows for relationships, decision-making, shared analysis and understanding of others’ ideas.
2. A diverse learning team
“Working with children from all over the world enriches the classroom, helps to have a more globalized understanding of the problems and needs, and allows for richer discussion points, taking into account experiences,” says Rohde. Solving global problems involves working as a team.
3. Look for the innovative
Classes must be relevant and in context with what is happening in the world. “This is the case of the bioethics and biotechnology class that I teach, weighing up whether to research solutions to diseases or even study genetic enhancement to make a baby to your liking,” says Rohde.
“The students have understood that all this can be done, but the achievement is that They learn to evaluate what things should be done and what should not, establishing ethical limits. which contribute to their formation and decision-making in life,” he concludes.
4. Nothing will replace the human bond
Human creativity is irreplaceable, as is the bond we can establish between all of us, says the co-founder of the Astra Nova school. “We work with our students so that they never lose that spark of being human. The students of the future will have the same heart and mind as us,” she highlights.
5. What are your experiments?
“At Astra Nova we are constantly looking to innovate. Experimentation is our norm. We are not afraid to restart something or pick it up from the beginning. “With experiments we seek to do things again and transform them,” says Rhode.
Finally, Rosmary Rhode points out that the goal is not to predict what will come, but to evaluate how to build a school for the future with daily tools and elements of permanent curiosity, creativity and innovation. “To do this, it is important to learn to work as a team, but this is built taking into account that nothing is written and students must be inspired,” says the scientist.
