Swartz- Turning Play Into Work

I found this piece by Swartz very intriguing. Everything that he discusses is very relevant, as well as prevalent in the education systems that we see today. Education has transformed into a came to win prizes and recognition. I remember playing games in grade school for candy and for little prizes because there was something to strive for. The idea that I was learning something new didn't even cross my mind. Granted I was only a little boy, but the educators of today are breeding the ideas of learning for recognition young.

Another big point is the fact that students learn for good grades rather then for the sole purpose of learning once they are in middle school through college. I remember specifically in high school when I would study and take classes in order to get a good grade. It was always the classes that didn't interest me that I would do the bare minimum to finish with an A. Swartz talks about the stakes being raised in college and only going to class to come back with the grades to get a degree and then a good job. Interestingly enough, I'm enjoying the choices I have to take classes that interest me. By declaring myself as a science major I can take classes that I truly enjoy attending. I look forward to reading my biology book to learn about new concepts. Maybe that is a nerdy activity, but I have not experienced any large effects of scraping by because I am not enjoying a class. Yes, the workload is massive and not always fun, but even in lab reports I find myself becoming enveloped in what I am talking about. Mastery Education isn't so bad....