Diagram of milling machine for ladder lumber.  New Jersey State Archives. Lindbergh Kidnapping Evidence Photographs, 1935

What does it mean to learn and know something?
I had an obsession with the Lindbergh kidnapping case  and can definitely say I am acquainted with this historical event.  Recently I had to look up the name of a key participant in the case – the man who testified about the particular saw marks on the ladder found outside the house (Arthur Koehler, if you are interested). I could not remember this important witness’ name, and I wondered, do I still “know” this case? Should I not have this information at my beck and call? My electric car  has me on a new learning curve on something I feel comfortable saying I know how to do – driving. I am having to relearn a few things to get the best electrical mileage I can. So am I learning how to drive again, even though I already know how to drive?

I was thinking about what the terms “learning” and “knowing” mean after I went to CUE’s fall conference at Napa, and attended a few workshops about Virtual Reality.  I have been impressed by this technology, but these workshops opened up my mind to possibilities in the classroom.   I went home that weekend and spent time on  CoSpaces Edu:  & Google Expeditions  &  Google Cardboard – Google VR  & Google Street View on the App Store –  I began to get an understanding and an idea of how it may work.  I was shouting, “I get it! I learned it!”.  Even as I was celebrating with the space I created ( below  and you should see it in VR!) I realized of course I am at the very very very start of knowing anything about this.  I just know how to learn more about it.   When I know more  I’ll forget Arthur Koehler like details and have to relearn them.  Things will change in the layout of the gears and buttons as in my new car, and I’ll have to adjust.  But know what, I am claiming learnership on VR.   I can share what I do know.  I think that means learning.