TOK PROMPT: 11.
Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?
This exhibition explores the relationship between knowledge and the established values or beliefs that shape our understanding. It focuses on how new knowledge can challenge long standing traditions and perspectives, even those that seem as trivial as switching from chalkboards to whiteboards.
“The Marker Pen I Never Used”
For TOK PROMPT: 11.
For many years, this simple marker pen remained unused in my desk drawer, unnoticed and unappreciated. However, a recent school task required me to finally use it, and this sparked a deeper reflection on its broader significance. At first glance, it seems like just a marker, a tool for writing on a whiteboard. But after further thought, this object represents more than just a classroom implement; it symbolizes a significant shift in the way education has evolved and how new knowledge can challenge and ultimately transform long standing traditions and beliefs.
Historically, education relied heavily on chalkboards. My father, who is now 42, often speaks nostalgically of the days when teachers were celebrated for their great handwriting on blackboards. The sound of chalk scratching across the board, the dust floating in the air, and the visual clarity of handwritten notes were fundamental elements of the learning process. Teachers spent countless hours refining their handwriting, as it
was more than just a tool for communication it was a demonstration of their skills and authority. Copying down information from the board was not only an exercise in memorization; it was a core component of how knowledge was passed down, rooted in traditions.
However, this deeply ingrained practice was disrupted by the arrival of whiteboards and marker pens, like the one in front of me. The shift was not welcomed by everyone. In fact, during my research, I discovered that in 1983, teachers in Pennsylvania protested against the introduction of whiteboards and markers. They argued that handwriting on whiteboards lacked the same significance, authority, and craftsmanship as writing on blackboards. Some even feared that this new technology would distract students and lower the quality of teaching.
Despite this resistance, over time, the objections stopped, and the marker pen became a necessity in classrooms around the world. This transition was not simply about the tool itself, but what it represented: a new approach to education. The focus shifted from perfect handwriting and memorization to fostering more interactive, flexible learning environments. New knowledge about effective teaching methods, emphasizing engagement and collaboration, began to challenge the long held belief that education was primarily about the passive transmission of information from teacher to student.
As a student myself, I see this pattern of resistance to change repeating today with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Many fear that AI will diminish the role of teachers, but from my perspective as a learner, AI offers opportunities rather than threats. I don’t see AI as a replacement for teachers; instead, I view it as a tool that can enhance learning by providing new ways to interact with
knowledge. Just as markers and whiteboards opened up possibilities for more dynamic lessons, AI could help tailor learning to individual students’ needs, offering a more personalized experience. While there may be hesitation and uncertainty, as a student, I believe AI has the potential to enrich our education. I can even imagine myself one day telling my kids how we transitioned from projectors to AI in the classroom.
This marker pen serves as a reminder that new knowledge can challenge and transform established values and beliefs. It shows that even small innovations can lead to profound changes in how we learn. While traditions may seem immutable, the introduction of new ideas and technologies has the potential to reframe our beliefs and redefine how we engage with the world. The evolution of tools in the classroom from chalk to marker to AI demonstrates that knowledge is not static, and our beliefs about education must evolve with it.
Abdrakhman Serikkali. (2023). TOK Exhibition.