Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Leadership
Big Picture: Student-Centered & Competency-Based Learning
Radical personalization is the core innovation of the Big Picture school model--it was flex before we knew what to call it. Their approach to internships remains a best practice. Twenty years after Littky’s groundbreaking work at Thayer, the rest of us are finally talking about student-centered competency-based learning.
EdTech
OpenClass Leverages Open Content & Social Learning
A year ago, Pearson moved, “Beyond the LMS,” and launched OpenClass, a learning environment that is open, easy, and free. At ISTE, Pearson highlighted the OpenClass Exchange, “Where educators can trade in open digital experiences from courses to components,” as Matt Leavy explained.
EdTech
Dell Powers Majority of U.S. Classrooms
With a broad array of access devices, servers, and support services, Dell quietly supports about six out of every ten U.S. classrooms.
Uncategorized
Considering Competency-Based Education
The shift from time to learning, from cohorts to competency, will be tough. It’s not easy or superficial--it’s a new and different way of organizing schools.
EdTech
Charter Supporters Consider Innovation & Quality at #NCSC13
In his first major public speech, Pitbull opened the National Charter School Conference (#NCSC13) at the DC convention center.
Personalized Learning
The Having of Wonderful Ideas
Expeditionary Learning is a national network of more than 150 schools that share the coolest design principles including “The having of wonderful ideas.” More broadly, EL schools feature “dynamic leadership, compelling curriculum, engaging instruction, continuous assessment, and a positive school culture.”
Personalized Learning
What Will Elementary Look Like?
To the question of “What will elementary schools look like a couple years from now,” I think we’ll see four significant changes.
Personalized Learning
How to Create a Blended High School
Last week I visited a team planning a new high school, a team planning to reinvigorate a high school, and operators of a couple high performing networks.
Leadership
What is the Most Promising EdTech For Emerging Economies?
The growing interplay between U.S. and Indian edtech sectors is worth watching. Tablet bundles will become more common in both markets. Content will get smarter and become cheaper. Mobile penetration will extend learning. Blended formats will boost achievement in the U.S. and extend access to quality in India.
EdTech
OpenEd Launches Comprehensive Catalog of Common Core Content
OpenEd Institute provides access to over 120,000 videos and 80,000 educational games, searchable by keyword, grade and standard.