This is ZipWits, a set of online courses focusing on critical thinking and character development. Life-skills that we use everyday.
Who is it for?
The courses can be used on your own or to supplement a curriculum program. They are written as stand-alone modules, for independent learners.
How much do they cost?
The courses are free for reasonable, non-commercial educational use. See the details under Terms and Conditions.
What age group or level is this for?
It’s not the years. It’s how much you’ve done in critical thinking or character development. You need to be comfortable with syllogisms and cascading values (e.g., a general rule with local exceptions).
Does it matter if I skip around the lessons?
The lessons and topics are in suggested sequence, but follow the path and pace that works for you. Also, every topic has points with supporting details or examples. If the point is clear to you, then skip the details and examples.
Can we use ZipWits in our classroom or organization?
Yes. That’s where ZipWits works best. Some instructors use a “flipped classroom” method, where learners work through the tutorials and the teacher provides personal assistance as required.
Some instructors will also set a group goal or challenge, to establish a checkpoint and ensure everyone is understanding. You decide what you want learners to achieve and they work on their own.
Can I charge money for that?
We have no problem with you using ZipWits as part of an educational service for which you charge a fee. You can’t charge for access to ZipWits, but you can charge for your resources and tuition.
Why critical thinking and character development?
Much of traditional curriculum is knowledge-based. Science, Language, Social Studies. ZipWits is more like recess. The skills of ZipWits are life skills. Puzzlement, wonderment, achievement, discernment.
Didn’t you know there’s an easier/shorter/better way to do this or say that?
The courses use spiralling reinforcement. That entails a bit of repetition and simplification. The goal is for users to see how to build complex concepts from simpler ideas. There is also an intended avoidance of historical context and extensive references. This is about practicing a skill, not being a spectator to it. Like playing baseball, not sitting in the stands watching a game.
That said, if you see something where you think we’ve missed a simpler path, notwithstanding the preceding comments, then please let us know.
I think you’re teaching bad style when you do this or that?
Similar to the above. The goal isn’t jargon, symbols, historical references, or scholarly links. The goal is to provide a path to enthusiasm for decision making, and to sidestep as many hurdles as possible along the way. Footnotes may look impressive, but seldom foster enthusiasm.
Why can’t you spell?
Canadian spelling. But if you do find a typo, let me know. Appreciated.
Who are you and why are you doing this?
I come from a background of law, education, and philosophy. I had the good fortune of teaching many years and in diverse settings, including much of the material presented here.
The world-wide health crisis has inspired online learning. I thought to do my part in providing courses of value to the learner with low overhead. Courses to take on your own or connect to a curriculum.
Having taught the material and having taught generations of learners, I wanted to apply best practices in a familiar format. We learn by example, so there are ample examples. We learn at our own path and pace, when there is opportunity to check our knowledge without being tested all the time. We learn when we can feel heard, when we can offer feedback. We learn by interaction. We learn when it is safe to make mistakes and make them ‘failing forward’ into success.
ZipWits is curriculum for a post-pandemic world of learners. One of decision-making based on reason and values.
Education has been good to me. ZipWits is a way of paying back a bit.
I have a sister site of verse and vignettes, CookiejarOpen.
Copyright and Contact
Copyright © 2021 Roger Kenyon. Photos are from Pixabay.
Contact at contact@zipwits.com or roger@cookiejaropen.com