Category: education

The more I read, the more I become aware of how little I know. I am convinced now that one must be quite well read just to be ignorant.

I was reading about simulation in “Simulacra and Simulation” by Jean Baudrillard. And in my half awake state that often accompanies my reading the words, ‘verisimilitude’ and ‘temerity’ came to mind. Verisimilitude, the appearance or semblance of truth, genuineness or authenticity. Temerity, reckless boldness, rashness. Why did that come to mind after reading about simulacra; a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness. My reading is about simulation. For my purposes, the definition is,”the representation of the behavior or characteristics of one system through the use of another system, especially a computer program designed for the purpose.”

I think there is a tendency to believe the description of something is that something. Another favorite quote is, “The map is not the territory.” As I learn more, I come to realize that shedding ignorance is a never ending process. Ignorance is not a problem. Choosing to stay there and accept but the appearance of truth; that is sad. Being bold and reckless in one’s ignorance is dangerous.

During my 5 year teaching experience it became clear to me that most students had little understanding of mathematics. I tried to explain to them the importance of understanding math as one of the languages of engineering and science. Well, actually that would carry into business and other fields. So, I suppose math should be considered an essential language of an educated person.

I recently read a book I had started years ago, but didn’t finish then. “The Number Devil, a mathematical adventure,” by Hans Magnus Enzensberger. It is written for the elementary student, but I think many could benefit from reading it. It is a fun read about numbers and their relationship to each other. I think it’s goal is to stimulate curiosity.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

August 9th is National Book Lovers day. What are you reading? You can see from my Books page I am reading at least two books. I have a biography, Einstein; a science book, The Quark and the Jaguar; and a Star Wars book. In addition, I will often browse books from some section of my library. Much of my library is now on Kindle or Nook, but there are enough printed books in my library to keep me entertained for at least this lifetime.

The title of this post is also the name of an organization dedicated to encouraging reading. “Reading is Fundamental is committed to a literate America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children …”. With access the internet, one can find a variety of books free from such organizations as the Project Gutenberg. Our Rotary Club is sponsoring a “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” project for our county.

Good Reads is a sort of social media hangout for readers. Friends can see which books you have read, which ones you are reading and which ones you want to read.

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ― Groucho Marx

Today’s scientists have substituted mathematics for experiments, and they wander off through equation after equation, and eventually build a structure which has no relation to reality. — Nikola Tesla

What is computational thinking? Search for the term using Google returns a number of definitions; for example, DIMACS at Rutgers, Wolfram, and especially Stephen Wolfram.

I think this subjects is interpreted as “Computers in Schools.” In my opinion, simply teaching elementary school students how to program is a waste of time. From my limited conversations, it provides the already overworked teachers either yet another topic to cover, or perhaps a bit of a respite so they can concentrate on all the paperwork foisted upon them.

Computers can be a powerful tool for education and research; or, they can be another solution looking for a problem. If a student or researcher doesn’t know how to formulate the question, then a computer often provides a means by which wrong answers are achieved faster; and, unfortunately with the authority of being computer produced!

In my opinion, this is where computational thinking enters. Computational thinking allows the ‘computer’ to become a part of the problem stating and solving process.

I must add, it is important that everyone learn how to observe. To me that means getting outside and observing the world. Or, perhaps, sitting in a coffee shop and observing the gestalt of the setting.

“In Mathematics the art of proposing a question must be held of higher value than solving it.” — Georg Cantor