From start to finish, this book was very enlightening giving hope and insight as to the various ways we can effectuate change…positive change, using disruptive innovation to engage everyone in the learning environment because everyone can learn; we just have to tailor learning to the needs of each individual for us to see the amazing results. Nowhere in this book did these authors exclude the learners. They were serious and very concerned for them, and so, they kept focusing on the heart of the problem by illustrating different scenarios in other organizations and transferring how they would work in the school system. These were classic learning experiences that gave me an impactful understanding of a transformational system.
Then the authors concluded by saying that they were hoping that this time, attempts to reform education would be successful, for now is not the time to quit; the answer is imminent and many attempts have been fruitless because it was done in a begrudging way, but now everyone must try to work together and make it a reality this time; therefore, they gave 5 key points that must be looked into very closely because the answer can be found there:
- Because reformation has not addressed the root cause of students’ inability to learn, or to at least understand it, the struggle will continue without heeding to this advice.
- Instead of being continuously confrontational with the system, a different perspective must be used –disruptive innovation. By using different directions except a direct attack, you will get the attention of the system.
- Admit that all children learn differently and then address the need to change the approach to how students learn through customized learning.
- 4. The emergence of online software has been instrumental in making the argument for a new approach to learning; however, those who make decisions to allow programs like this within the schools are in the central office. In the many attempts to push through this new approach, it has faced obstacles even from politicians, but with these online programs, a way to customize learning for students should be figured out.
- 5. It is highly recommended that administrators use the right tools of power and educate the children using a customized approach to learning which will not leave any child behind.
Furthermore, the authors charged everyone as follows:
- To the leaders in the school system and the elected officials: Use the right tools to introduce change.
- To the Philanthropies and foundations: Help fund this disruption and help to market it.
- To the entrepreneurs: Make proper investments that will help students, parents and teachers.
- To the teachers’ training colleges: Refrain from teaching in a monolithic way and prepare future teachers with the tools to work with differentiated learners in a student-centric environment.
- To the graduate schools of education: Average research is not acceptable; use prescriptive understanding to study and produce rich and insightful results.
- To teachers, parents and students: Be persistent in having students complete course requirements by looking online if they are not being offered in their schools and make certain that the schools accept the credits. Students who are experiencing difficulty in a course can seek help online from networks that the entrepreneurs are building and parents should start seeking help early for their children.
- Together as a community we can effectuate change and not be intimidated by technology, but embrace the innovative ideas and motivate our children.
I believe that there will be a next version to this book because they have given us a charge and it is now up to us to work together to make this innovation a reality. It definitely can happen if we stay focused and guided by the blue print that was laid out by these authors.
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