The Titanic & Online Learning: What They Have in Common
How the "Unsinkable" Titanic Highlighted the Need for SEL in Online Programs
The sinking of the Titanic was a horrific tragedy that exposed major flaws in maritime safety regulations. In response, a wave of reforms swept through the industry:
Lifeboat Regulations: Before the Titanic, lifeboat capacity wasn't mandated. The Titanic only had enough lifeboats for a fraction of its passengers, leading to the now unthinkable "women and children first" policy. New regulations required lifeboats for all passengers and crew [Mental Floss, 4 Ways the 'Titanic' Changed Maritime Safety].expand_more
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): This landmark treaty, established in 1914, arose directly from the Titanic disaster.expand_more SOLAS has become the cornerstone of maritime safety, setting international standards for everything from lifeboat capacity to radio communication protocols [International Maritime Organization, World Maritime Day Parallel Event].
Radio Communication: The Titanic's lack of 24-hour radio communication hampered its ability to call for help. The Radio Act of 1912 mandated continuous radio watch on all passenger vessels [The Krist Law Firm, How the Titanic Changed Maritime Law].
Ship Design: Following the disaster, ships were redesigned with improved safety features.This included double hulls for better compartmentalization in case of breaches, and watertight bulkheads that extended higher to prevent entire sections from flooding [Wikipedia, Changes in safety practices after the sinking of the Titanic].
Ice Patrol: The International Ice Patrol was formed to monitor and report on North Atlantic icebergs, a direct response to the hazard that doomed the Titanic [Mental Floss, 4 Ways the 'Titanic' Changed Maritime Safety].
The impact of the Titanic on maritime safety is undeniable. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulation and preparedness in safeguarding lives at sea.
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The Case for Social Emotional Learning
The story of the Titanic doesn't directly connect to the specific title "Identity, Expression and Desire" at Self Exploration Academy. However, it does highlight the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in a broader online education context. Here's how:
Decision-Making: The failures that led to the Titanic disaster involved flawed decisions by the crew, like ignoring iceberg warnings and proceeding at high speed. SEL programs teach critical thinking and responsible decision-making, which could have helped in situations like this.
Communication: Communication breakdowns between the lookout, captain, and crew contributed to the tragedy. SEL programs emphasise clear communication, active listening, and empathy - all crucial for effective teamwork and avoiding misunderstandings.
Empathy and Social Responsibility: The "women and children first" policy, while a product of its time, shows a lack of consideration for all passengers on board. SEL programs cultivate empathy and the ability to see situations from others' perspectives. This can foster a sense of social responsibility and fairer treatment for everyone.
By applying these SEL skills to online programs, students can develop critical thinking, communication, and social awareness that benefit them in online learning environments and beyond. While "Identity, Expression and Desire" might focus on personal development, the SEL skills learned can be used for better communication and collaboration in online spaces.
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Recently, we published an article that touched on the current plight of the public and nonpublic school system in the United States. Unending as the list of plight-related woes may seem, our ultimate goal is to highlight the very practical courses of action available to parents, community leaders and local school authorities to help remedy the adverse situations we are facing when it comes to educating our children.
As promised, here is a shortlist of viable options for improving the education of the next generation of world leaders. This list includes resources to fill in the gap of Social Emotional Learning experienced by most students, as well as core learning subjects such as English, History, Mathematics and Science.