By Nathaniel Atherton, Primary Principal
This past academic year has seen incredible growth and development, both within the school and within society itself. One of the biggest shifts in our society has been the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence, an area we are closely monitoring as a school, not only from the standpoint of ensuring academic integrity but from questioning what the future will be like for our young people. Ultimately asking, ‘What does it mean to be human?’
Some would argue our understanding of what it means to be human is undergoing a profound transformation. Renowned Swedish-American physicist, machine learning expert and MIT professor Max Tegmark proposes an intriguing concept that challenges our conventional perception of ourselves as Homo sapiens - the smartest beings on Earth. Tegmark suggests embracing the idea of Homo sentiens, a species defined not solely by intelligence but also by our ability to subjectively experience the world around us. As we wrap up a fabulous week of immersive residential field trips, let us explore the benefits of experiential, real-world learning and how it aligns with the evolution of our identity in this age of AI.
Redefining Ourselves: Homo Sapiens to Homo Sentiens
Max Tegmark's proposition to rebrand ourselves as Homo sentiens invites us to broaden our definition of what it means to be human. While Homo sapiens reflects our exceptional intelligence, the rise of increasingly sophisticated machines challenges our monopoly on intellectual prowess. By emphasizing our capacity for subjective experience—sentience—we acknowledge the richness of human emotions, consciousness, and empathy. This shift in perspective compels us to seek educational approaches that honor not only our intellect but also our holistic human nature.
Experiential Learning: Bridging the Gap
Experiential learning offers a powerful bridge between our Homo sapiens legacy and the emerging paradigm of Homo sentiens. Taking learning outside the walls of ICS immerses students in real-world contexts. Whether it be exploring the history of local towns (Grade 3 - Engelberg), overcoming fears while rafting down a river (Grade 5 - Allgäu), engaging in scientific experiments (Grade 11 - Ticino), building leadership and teambuilding skills (Grade 9 - Les Mosses), or appreciating the splendor of the Matterhorn (Grade 4 - Zermatt) these experiences provide an opportunity to connect theory with practice. By engaging our senses and emotions, experiential learning deepens our understanding, enhances critical thinking, and nurtures our empathy and compassion.
Embracing Real-World Challenges
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, we must prepare ourselves to navigate a future that will demand skills and qualities beyond raw intelligence. Experiential learning equips us with precisely these attributes.
Grade 2, our youngest residential field trip students, use this trip as an opportunity to spread their wings and develop independence while our eldest students, the Grade 11’s use these trips to bond as they prepare as a cohort for their final year at ICS. No matter the Grade, students benefit by grappling with real-world challenges, they cultivate adaptability, resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. They gain confidence in their abilities, learn to embrace challenges and expand their comfort zones. These transformative experiences empower students to become self-directed learners, capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Fostering Creativity, Innovation, and Global Citizenship
Experiential learning serves as a catalyst for unleashing our creative potential and cultivating innovative thinking. When confronted with authentic situations and problems, we are encouraged to think outside the box, explore unconventional solutions, and embrace uncertainty.
"Being placed in unfamiliar situations offers our learners a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and engage with diverse cultures, environments, and perspectives. Through these immersive experiences, students develop a sense of global citizenship, fostering tolerance, empathy, and an appreciation for the rich tapestry of humanity. These experiences enable our learners to live out our school missions and become responsible stewards of our planet and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive and sustainable future."
While the future of AI and its societal impact remains unclear, we know that real-world learning is core to the human experience and must be intentionally designed. We recognize the profound impact of experiential learning and its alignment with the evolving concept of Homo sentiens.
By embracing a broader understanding of ourselves and our capabilities, we open doors to holistic education that nurtures intellect, emotional intelligence, and subjective experience. Field trips and experiential learning have always been a hallmark of an ICS education but with the rise of technology, experiences have never been more important, or more human.
Our ICS Residential Field Trips 2023 included:
Grade 2 - Obersaxen
Grade 3 - Engelberg
Grade 4 - Zermatt
Grade 5 - Allgäu
Grade 6 - Saanen
Grade 7 - Les Crosets
Grade 8 - Leysin
Grade 9 - Les Mosses
Grade 11 - Ticino