Changes over time

 The last couple of weeks have seen us looking at changes over time to communication.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

We looked at the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg and how it made books (and therefore reading and writing) more accessible for all. Before the printing press books were handmade and so rare and expensive, meaning only those with wealth generally had access to books. 

We looked at how advances in writing techniques had changed - from quill and ink, to ball-point pens, to voice to text. We wondered what might be next and some creative children came up with their ideas. Many were keen to try making a quill and writing with it too. 

Looking at changes over time can add depth and complexity to learning and thinking.

LONG DISTANCE COMMUNICATION

We looked at the history of communication in NZ - this short video from MOTAT sums up the main points. 

We looked at some old telephones and the changes that had happened just in the last 50 years, and wondered about future communication. 

We had a debate on whether mobile phones should be banned in high schools - great skills for students learning to look at two sides of a debate and learning how to give reasons and be convincing. There were some strong feelings on both sides, and we looked at listening respectfully to others opinions / points of view and taking turns to respectfully voice our own opinions and give convincing reasons for those opinions. 

Debating can add depth and complexity to thinking - looking at different perspectives, and ethics. It also utilises and enhances verbal and reasoning skills.