Wonder why we have left our humanity out of just about everything that makes us human. Being public labeled is now added to the litany of potentially negative treatments. So, along with social distancing, masking our moods, and fearing too much expressive outburst; we are now rat-testing our next generation with stress on stress and measuring, all the wrong areas of importance.
I guess that economist who aired his wish for 90 million people to -- simply disappear, is beginning to mask-his-superior satisfaction. As corrupt politicians and fearful taxpaying citizens appear to either give-in or profit by some of the asinine cruelty done to date.
The Pandemic and the varying approaches taken are the canary of note, blaring out how inhuman treatment leads to mental distress and extreme social breakdowns---all to be laid at the feet of toxic corporations and the countries that fuel/feed them with citizens.
Hi, Marg. I'm familiar with the headband device being used on these kids. It appears to be a knock-off of the Muse headband developed in Toronto. A team from the University of Toronto, Harvard Med and the Mayo Clinic are using it in trials. The unit retails for about $200.
Muse is sold as a meditation trainer. I have one and it works. It doesn't get the user into deep state autogenics/self-hypnosis but it can get your foot firmly on that first step. I was trained by a qualified MD many years ago. It takes a lot of practice to get very deep and the skill is easily lost if you don't keep working at it. That said, it's not without risks.
I was surprised when one day my doctor said we were finished. I asked why. I was really enjoying it. He said I had achieved the back muscle relaxation issue that brought me to him but he felt I was the type of person who could enter a truly deep, self-generated hypnotic state that sometimes might not be easy to get out of. Was he right? I don't know. I do recall how amazing it felt to be in and then emerge from that state.
The fourth, or coma state brings on euphoria. It's said to be a state in which the patient can undergo major surgery without anesthesia. I can vouch for the feeling but the surgery bit I have to question. My doctor said he had some concern I was getting too fond of that so he gave me the boot.
I know this is potentially powerful stuff. That these kids report on near perfect grade performance is, to me, quite believable. Yet I think it's something that should be done rather cautiously. Too often we do things "because we can" with scant regard to whether we should.
Owen, I don't think perspective or widening horizons are priorities when algorithms dominate education. They're anathema to the pursuit of excellence in uniformity. I wonder how transforming kids into school bots will impact them in adulthood.
Twenty years ago the Japanese approach to education seemed unnerving. This, however, is on a different plane altogether.
Wonder why we have left our humanity out of just about everything that makes us human.
ReplyDeleteBeing public labeled is now added to the litany of potentially negative treatments. So, along with social distancing, masking our moods, and fearing too much expressive outburst; we are now rat-testing our next generation with stress on stress and measuring, all the wrong areas of importance.
I guess that economist who aired his wish for 90 million people to -- simply disappear, is beginning to mask-his-superior satisfaction. As corrupt politicians and fearful taxpaying citizens appear to either give-in or profit by some of the asinine cruelty done to date.
The Pandemic and the varying approaches taken are the canary of note, blaring out how inhuman treatment leads to mental distress and extreme social breakdowns---all to be laid at the feet of toxic corporations and the countries that fuel/feed them with citizens.
Hi, Marg. I'm familiar with the headband device being used on these kids. It appears to be a knock-off of the Muse headband developed in Toronto. A team from the University of Toronto, Harvard Med and the Mayo Clinic are using it in trials. The unit retails for about $200.
ReplyDeleteMuse is sold as a meditation trainer. I have one and it works. It doesn't get the user into deep state autogenics/self-hypnosis but it can get your foot firmly on that first step. I was trained by a qualified MD many years ago. It takes a lot of practice to get very deep and the skill is easily lost if you don't keep working at it. That said, it's not without risks.
I was surprised when one day my doctor said we were finished. I asked why. I was really enjoying it. He said I had achieved the back muscle relaxation issue that brought me to him but he felt I was the type of person who could enter a truly deep, self-generated hypnotic state that sometimes might not be easy to get out of. Was he right? I don't know. I do recall how amazing it felt to be in and then emerge from that state.
The fourth, or coma state brings on euphoria. It's said to be a state in which the patient can undergo major surgery without anesthesia. I can vouch for the feeling but the surgery bit I have to question. My doctor said he had some concern I was getting too fond of that so he gave me the boot.
I know this is potentially powerful stuff. That these kids report on near perfect grade performance is, to me, quite believable. Yet I think it's something that should be done rather cautiously. Too often we do things "because we can" with scant regard to whether we should.
What is the purpose of education? To drill down on data, or to broaden one's perspective?
ReplyDeleteOwen, I don't think perspective or widening horizons are priorities when algorithms dominate education. They're anathema to the pursuit of excellence in uniformity. I wonder how transforming kids into school bots will impact them in adulthood.
ReplyDeleteTwenty years ago the Japanese approach to education seemed unnerving. This, however, is on a different plane altogether.