Sugata Mitra is an educational researcher and professor at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. He is best known for his work on [[Self-Organized Learning Environments]] ([[SOLEs]]), which aim to promote collaborative and self-directed learning among students. Mitra's interest in SOLEs began with his famous "[[Hole in the Wall]]" experiment conducted in 1999. He placed a computer with internet access in a public space in a slum area of New Delhi, India. The computer was left unattended, and children from the neighborhood were allowed to freely explore and use it. To his surprise, he found that the children quickly taught themselves how to use the computer, surf the internet, and even learn complex subjects like English, mathematics, and science. Building on this success, Mitra started implementing [[SOLEs]] in various settings around the world. A typical SOLE involves placing a computer or other digital device in a learning space and posing an open-ended question or problem to students. The students then work together in small groups to research and find answers using online resources. Mitra's research has shown that when given access to technology and encouraged to explore independently, children can learn effectively without direct instruction from teachers. He argues that education should move away from traditional teacher-centric models towards more student-centered approaches that promote curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. In addition to his experiments with SOLEs, Mitra has also explored other innovative learning methods. For example, he introduced the concept of "Granny Cloud," where volunteers from around the world engage students via video conferencing to provide guidance and support during their self-directed learning sessions. Mitra's work has received both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that SOLEs have the potential to bridge educational gaps by providing quality education even in resource-constrained environments. Critics raise concerns about the lack of structure and expert guidance in such learning environments. Overall, Sugata Mitra's work on SOLEs has sparked important discussions about the role of technology, collaboration, and self-directed learning in education. His research continues to inspire educators and policymakers to explore new approaches to teaching and learning. # References ```dataview Table title as Title, authors as Authors where contains(subject, "SOLE") or contains(subject, "Self-Organized Learning Environment") ```