RE: The OpenSchool, First High School on the Blockchain: The Vision.
Let me add my voice here as the receiving teacher currently working with the open school project. I have gone through every bit of comment here.
The first time @muphy posted about the open school project project, I caught the vision but I must admit it was not as clear as now, or as deep as presented above. I take a deep breath now as I realized it is bigger then just two, three of four persons. It is a movement and a just course to salvage the world's education system. I believe now, even more than ever, in the vision of the open school.
Open School so far
For the past couple of months, @muphy and I have been connecting weekly for live lessons. I can't express in words how wonderful the learning experience has been for the students. I can see meaningful progress in the skills of the students courtesy of this project.
The teaching is unconventional, and beyond the scope of just understanding physics, but in furtherance to its application thereof. just as @mobbs has rightly pointed out, it is not in any way going to replace in-person education but to complement it. The beauty of the open school is that, unlike just downloading videos from youtube which is a one way communication channel, the teacher and students get to interacts at no cost. Some academy like the Khan academy are providing similar resources, but what stands out for the open school is the teacher-students interaction at no fee(to the best of my knowledge).
Gains
The curiosity of the students have been raised and they now ask questions about things they never deem fit to ask their teacher. Some they will share with @muphy in the coming week.
let me point out here that I am not their local teacher, I work as a volunteer teacher in a local primary school in the community. I came in contact with them during my exploit within the community.
Obsolete methodology is one of the major factor affecting education systems and it is a global challenge. what the open school want to achieve is to bridge the gap. You will find out that many students are just basically 'schooled' and not educated (I hope you get what I mean), and we have gone past the industrial revolution age.
The open school is also achieving global citizenship and my student feel as part of the world. The psychological effect is a positive one. And so much more...
Overall, many valid points have been raised here, and I know @muphy has started putting together the team that are willing to be build this project.
The open school is far reaching, as it is touching students from the far end and economically disadvantage places in the world.
I look forward to working with you all in any capacity.
Thank you all