Posts by Tom Vander Ark

Schools Worth Visiting

7 Ways Microschools Help Communities Innovate

What if you could start a school in six weeks instead of six years? What if you could launch a school for $50,000 rather than $50 million? What if you could test an innovation with 20 kids rather than 2,000? Microschools are popping up around the country. It may not…

STEM & Maker

How an Indianapolis Nonprofit Transformed American STEM Education

Almost half of American public secondary schools use an active project- and problem-based approach to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education that shows learners how knowledge and skills may be applied in everyday life. The popular curriculum doesn’t come from one of the big publishers. It’s from an Indianapolis…

Personalized Learning

Two Engaging NYC High Schools: Maker Academy and iSchool

In Gerry Irrizary’s maker lab (featured image), young designers use 3D printers to prototype sneaker insoles, fashion designer skateboards with laser cutters, and implement the latest strategies in user interface to plan new mobile apps. The lab where teen dreams come to life is on the fourth floor of a…

Future of Learning

12 Trends Killing College

With the increasing costs and lack of confidence in higher education, Tom outlines a dozen trends that will contribute to the end of college as we currently know it.