Scientific Habits Of Mind In Virtual Worlds By Mark Edmundson Summary
Do you prefer to learn in a traditional, old-fashioned type of way? Or do you prefer a fun, game-filled, modern type of learning? In the articles “On the Uses of a Liberal Education: As Lite Entertainment for Bored College Students” by Mark Edmundson, a professor at the University of Virginia, and “Scientific Habits of Mind in Virtual Worlds” by Constance Steinkuehler and Sean Duncan, who both teach at… two fairly opposite opinions on learning and today's education are shared. Edmundson believes education has become about “creating more comfortable, less challenging environments” and that universities have a “tendency to serve--and not challenge--the students” (p. 396). On the other hand, Steinkuehler and Duncan support the more easy-going,
…show more content…
He talks about how students prioritize fitting in and being up-to-date on the latest trends rather than participating in intellectual conversations and arguments like they should be. Edmundson states that “If it’s new--a new need, a new product, a new show, a new style, a new generation--it must be good” (p. 393), meaning that students in current learning environments believe that whatever is new is the absolute best. They believe that utilizing fun and games in learning is best because it is trending, and making learning easier and more enjoyable for them. Students should be interested and motivated enough to want to learn without a game. They should look at filling their minds with knowledge as a privilege, not as a burden that they need to try to make easier for themselves. Although it may be true that games can make learning more enjoyable for some students, it may not prepare them the way it needs to, in order to be properly educated. There will not be games to help these students when they are compelled to get their first job, and there will be nothing fun about learning a position in the work force. Along with that, Edmundson states that students “...believe that genius and tradition are out and that P.C., multiculturalism, and identity politics are in” (p. 391). Edmundson feels strongly
He talks about how students prioritize fitting in and being up-to-date on the latest trends rather than participating in intellectual conversations and arguments like they should be. Edmundson states that “If it’s new--a new need, a new product, a new show, a new style, a new generation--it must be good” (p. 393), meaning that students in current learning environments believe that whatever is new is the absolute best. They believe that utilizing fun and games in learning is best because it is trending, and making learning easier and more enjoyable for them. Students should be interested and motivated enough to want to learn without a game. They should look at filling their minds with knowledge as a privilege, not as a burden that they need to try to make easier for themselves. Although it may be true that games can make learning more enjoyable for some students, it may not prepare them the way it needs to, in order to be properly educated. There will not be games to help these students when they are compelled to get their first job, and there will be nothing fun about learning a position in the work force. Along with that, Edmundson states that students “...believe that genius and tradition are out and that P.C., multiculturalism, and identity politics are in” (p. 391). Edmundson feels strongly