In his TED Talk “Hackschooling Makes Me Happy,” Thirteen year old Logan LaPlante discusses his views on education. Just a few years prior to this talk, LaPlante was pulled out of the traditional school setting and is being homeschooled. He refers to his schooling as “hackschooling” because he hacks his education using creativity and the hacker-mindset along with experiential classes and technology. LaPlante focuses his TED Talk on the priorities of education.He argues the traditional school system is oriented toward making a living, not creating a life. We are all told the same things: go to school, get into college, get a job, and get married. The trouble is, there is no room for creativity in this path. He believes traditional schools should use “hackschooling” as well. Traditional schooling does not yield creative innovators and LaPlante is thankful of his “hackschool” education because it has taught him to become flexible and opportunistic. At only thirteen years old, LaPlante is wise beyond his years. He recognizes the importance of being happy; something many adults have yet to recognize. He profoundly asks- what if we based education on the study and practice of being happy and healthy?
I think LaPlante’s argument is an important one. We do not prioritize health and happiness in schools. As I see it we only get once chance at life, so why not make it a good one? LaPlante offers great insight into the potential benefits a non-traditional education. However I think that “hackschooling” may not be an attainable goal by the masses. He even says “traditional school is safest route.” I will take this a step further and say that it is the best route for many. For many underprivileged youth, attending a traditional school is the only way to a better future. For those who have the access to it, I think “hackschooling” is beyond great. But it requires technology, time and money that many do not have. I really like LaPlante’s idea of studying and practicing health and happiness in all schools. That is something we can and should all attain.
"Hackschooling Makes Me Happy | Logan LaPlante | TEDxUniversityofNevada." YouTube.
YouTube. Web. 29 Nov. 2015.