AM de Lange (amdelange@gold.up.ac.za) replied to my question
>>... Are we saying that the laser
>>phenomenon can happen in the human learning process? That
>>would be dramatic!
with an extensive explanation for which I am grateful. Thank you. Because
the laser is part of my background, I wanted to reinforce his point with
the following comments:
>It was the same with lasers after Maiman's invention substantiated
>Einstein's prediction. The far majority of scientists and engineers saw
>little applicative value in lasers. It was only a small minority among
>them who wrought with their creative minds hundreds of innovative
>applications.
In fact, Maiman invented the Maser in 1958 and demonstrated it (M for
Molecular). Still no one considered it significant. It was five or six
years later that subsequent research (by Robert Townshend) proved that the
phenomenon could be made to work at light frequencies.
[Host's Note: Hmm... I thought it was M for Microwave, the frequency
range of the original maser. ...Rick]
>...Today, forty years after Maiman's invention, laser
>technology has become formidable in its diversity of applications. Just
>think of holograms, optical transfer of information, industrial cutting or
>welding of metals and ceramics, land surveys, chemistry, medicine,
>leisure, warfare, etc.
Even in 1964 when the laser had been demonstrated, the only applications
imagined was superheating and illuminating at great distances.
>Because of the much higher complexity, the "laser" like advancement in
>education will be much slower. But it will happen with even more dramatic
>results.
This is very exciting! Thank you for your insightful posts, At. You force me
to think and learn.
Regards...Keith
K. C. Cowan
Orion Technologies (ORTG) at http://www.GlobalDEN.com or 604-207-3809
--"Cowan, Keith" <kcowan@ORION.GLOBALDEN.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>