In The Netherlands 11 'Steve Jobs Schools' Are Set To Open This Fall
July 2, 2013
Steve Jobs understood the importance of technology in education. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a new curriculum of sorts is being developed in the Netherlands that revolves entirely around the iPad, according to Spiegel Online.
This fall, 11 “Steve Jobs schools” will open in and around Amsterdam for students aged 4-12. In total, 1,000 students are expected to attend.
However, the schools go beyond simply providing iPads to every student. Each location will also be devoid of “blackboards, chalk or classrooms, homeroom teachers, formal classes, lesson plans, seating charts, pens, teachers teaching from the front of the room, schedules, parent-teacher meetings, grades, recess bells, fixed school days and school vacations.”
Instead, children “will choose what they wish to learn based on what they happen to be curious about.”
I see nothing wrong with providing iPads to each student. However, I’m not sure that letting the students decide on their instruction is the way to go. Of course, I say this as the father of a first grader, not as a teacher.
What say you? Should other "Steve Jobs schools" open around the world offering the same type of curriculum?
See also: Los Angeles Unified School District Places Huge iPad Order, and Even As It Celebrates Its Third Birthday, The iPad Is Still Doomed Say The Skeptics.
