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After viewing the Susan Cain Ted Talk Video for this module, write a three to five paragraph

summary of your thoughts


about the talk on extroverts and introverts. How does the online learning model mesh with the speakers thoughts on
group and solitary learning? How would you provide space for both collaborative and solitary learning in your virtual
classroom?
Susan Cains opinion is that introverts should not be forced into a world of collaborative
extroverts and that extroverts should look into themselves to discover and know what
they have to share with the world.
Stop the Madness. The Ted Talk Video discouraged groupthink at the expense of introvert
inclusion. Stop the madness for constant groupwork, is the refrain. The speaker argues
that society is on a trend away from the deep and reflective thinker.
Groupthink is Now Unconscious. Referencing insights of contemporary psychology, she
further suggests that society has evolved to obligating itself to groupthink without
consciously being aware: We cannot even be in a group of people without instinctively
mimicking their opinions. Groups follow the most charismatic, not the person with best
ideas.
Hurting the Introvert. The speaker believes that the trend toward groupthink is at
the expense of introverts: Why are we making introverts feel so guilty about going
off [alone] some of the time? Though some examples were inaccurate, the speaker
posits that history has proven that many of the worlds great thinkers were
introverts.
Return to History & The Cain Solution. Susan Cains
argument is that history valued individuals inner
selves and moral rectitude in the culture of
character. Her solution is that we, as a society,
know that we should let people go off by themselves;
generate their own ideas, freed from the distortions of group dynamics; and then, bring
come together as a team and talk them through in a well-managed environment.
Further, we should (1) stop the madness for constant groupwork and encourage
teaching [introverts and extroverts] students to work on their own because that is where
deep though comes from; and (2) encourage seekers to find inspiration (be like Buddha); and (3) encourage extroverts
to pursue that which introverts value (time, space, and reflection) to then offer something meaningful (take a look
inside your own suitcaseand open it up because the world needs you).
Solitude Matters. The speaker adds that time and solitude lead to creativity and
productivity which can then be part of a collaborative effort. The speaker closes
with a reminder to speak softly.
I would provide space for both collaborative and solitary learning in my virtual
classroom by enabling learners to self-pace the digestion of required reading,
viewing, and listening and allow time for reflection. Then, as the speaker suggests,
collect the learners in a well-managed effort to bring their inspired thoughts
together in a collaborative effort.

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