What’s On

with Tom Smith

When was the first computer built? What have computers been used for over human history? Why is the invention of the transistor so important for modern digital technology? Who are George Boole and Claude Shannon, and what role did they play in the invention of the digital computer? 

Tom will guide us through an overview of the steps people have taken on the journey towards our current digital reality. He will present some contributions from key people in history, showing us how different ideas and inventions have brought us from a world of abstract mathematics to baffling digital landscapes and public influence. This talk aims to distil 3,500 years of technological development into a 1-hour presentation. A discussion afterwards will explore the role of digital technology and AI in our modern world, with sharing some ideas on how the Waldorf movement can help to defend against some of the greater harms of modern smartphone use.

Tom is a co-founder of beehub (Brighton Evolving Education Hub) and has been involved in Waldorf education for over 10 years. Tom spent 5 years at the Brighton Waldorf school as the science, music & IT teacher. Having worked in mainstream, Waldorf and home education, he has developed a range of main lesson series based on modern digital technology and methods to deliver them to students in a thought out and conscious way. He is especially interested in seeking out the best ways to combine the qualities of Waldorf education with modern digital tools. Tom thinks the most important question being asked at the moment is 'what are the steps we need to take between the age of 8 to 18 to teach children how to use digital tools to improve and enhance their lives, while avoiding the addiction and other harms associated with smartphone use?'

All welcome, no need to book, no charge. Events are not recorded and zoom meetings are limited to 100 participants. Voluntary donations towards costs are gratefully received and can be made by cash donation on the day, transfer to a Nationwide account held for this purpose or via Paypal. 

Account name: Adrian Hotten, Nationwide, sort code: 07-01-16 account number: 31466776. Paypal to suejoanpeat@gmail.com

with Robert Chamberlin

How many times has this thought arisen in many of us: “Is there a guidebook which helps me at least onto the first plateau, from where I can get a good overview? I have tried reading a book by Steiner but just found it too difficult to get into”.

Robert’s book ‘HEARTlogic. An experiential guide to Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Science’, aims to be a guide, taking us up into a region where one can breathe in the pure air of thinking alongside the deepest feelings of awe at the vistas unfolding before one. He will take us on the journey of writing such a book - trying to avoid the pitfalls of being too simplistic on the one hand, and on the other, being tempted to go into more and more complexity. Along the way, some poems and sayings will be recited, extracts of which are to be found in the book, which serve to illustrate the journey the book is describing.

For thirty-three years, Robert Chamberlain worked at Tintagel House and the Merlin Theatre in Sheffield, which was then a Steiner community arts and education centre. It involved programming a regular series of cultural events, which included his own theatre productions, as well as public courses on Anthroposophy, some of which were under the auspices of Sheffield University’s Division of Continuing Education. He now lives in Leeds, still involved with drama and introducing Steiner’s work to people. His book is available in the bookshop at Rudolf Steiner House.

All welcome, no need to book, no charge. Events are not recorded and zoom meetings are limited to 100 participants. Voluntary donations towards costs are gratefully received and can be made by cash donation on the day, transfer to a Nationwide account held for this purpose or via Paypal. 

Account name: Adrian Hotten, Nationwide, sort code: 07-01-16 account number: 31466776. Paypal to suejoanpeat@gmail.com

with Helen Kinsey

The threats to childhood in the digital age are different to those in the industrial age and yet the journey through childhood to adulthood from a developmental perspective, remains the same. In our age, an increasing number of children are suffering from mental ill health. What can be done? We will explore this question by looking at the journey through childhood from a Waldorf perspective, comparing it with a mainstream experience and drawing out the strengths and weaknesses of both.

Helen is an anthroposophist and has been teaching in the Waldorf School for 20 years, mostly as a class teacher. She now teaches as a mainstream primary teacher.

All welcome, no need to book, no charge. Events are not recorded and zoom meetings are limited to 100 participants. Voluntary donations towards costs are gratefully received and can be made by cash donation on the day, transfer to a Nationwide account held for this purpose or via Paypal. 

Account name: Adrian Hotten, Nationwide, sort code: 07-01-16 account number: 31466776. Paypal to suejoanpeat@gmail.com