Journal 5: Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education Is the Future

Christensen, C. M., & Horn, M. B. (2008, August). Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education Is the Future. Edutopia. Retrieved October 7, 2008, from http://www.edutopia.org/student-centric-education-technology

How can a classroom use technology to transform education? This is the question that is at the heart of this article. The authors suggest that rather than merely putting new technology in the classroom, the key to transforming education lies in the way that the technology is implemented. They propose implementing technology disruptively, or where it is not already being consumed. In other words, the idea is to get technology and online classes where there is no alternative- there is either technology based learning or there is no learning. In this way, the technology implemented will be able to grow without much cost to the system, and will continue to improve the level of education. The article predicts that online learning will reach more students and will become more precedent in our society.

Question 1: Would implementing such systems eventually lead to the dissolution of the formal public school system as we know it?
While online learning may replace the need for many courses to meet face to face, I do not foresee dissolution of public school as we know it. There are state and national standards that would not survive an online revolution, such as physical education. Also, there is still something to be said for one-on-one, face-to-face interaction in learning. Many students will not succeed if placed behind a computer for their entire span of education.

Question 2: How can we ensure accountability of students while they take online courses?
By working with parents, I believe that schools can still keep children accountable even while they take classes online. Having time requirements, i.e. a certain number of hours spent on the content per week, would be one way to ensure that the students are putting in the work to learn the material instead of copying or getting answers from a friend or relative.