Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Of Note: Black Swans & Big Sky
It's been an interesting week. Promising capabilities were introduced while big storms hit the east coast and the stock market. Following are four thoughts on learning in an uncertain world filled with Black Swans, learning opportunities and changing markets.
Soon Devices Will Matter Less, In the Meantime Prioritize
There's no doubt that we have more devices in schools these days, but the bad news is there are often many different types, on different operating systems, with no real "plan" on how to effectively use them in classrooms. In this post, Scott Ellis of The Learning Accelerator shares five observations about the journey of innovation and what EdLeaders can do when they discover an EdTech mess.
How Project-Based Learning Prepares Youth for Freelance Nation
Young people that decide against the freelance economy and land good jobs with organizations are likely to do most of their work in projects. Other than low skill/low wage tasks, it’s quickly becoming a project-based world.
Working Your Way Out of an EdTech Mess
We've reached the point where we are beyond the halfway point in the shift to digital. During this time there are three common problems that schools and districts are facing.
7 Things Education Leaders Should Do Right Now
Being an education leader is complicated and challenging. Here are seven tips for the first 90 days, seven tips for the second 90 days, and seven things veteran leaders should do to advance personalized learning.
Making a Market: Demand Development & Aggregation in K-12
There are six demand aggregation mechanisms that are helping build markets, spur investment, and improve access to better products/services.
It’s Time For A New Assessment System
The #ShiftToDigital and new federal flexibility makes 2016 the right time to think about assessment pilots and innovation zones.
Michael Barber: Become Your Own Career Agent
Whether employment or contracting, work is now a negotiation between a company and an individual. Barber said, “People want to learn, to have meaning, to work with great people, making a difference.”
Scaling Up: Give Money and Advice this #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a good chance to scan the nonprofit landscape for worthy causes. In addition to donations this fall, your favorite nonprofit may be a good candidate for scaling advice. Here are 10 tips for expanding the impact of a nonprofit organization and three basic scaling strategies.
#YearInReview: The Best of 2015, 10 Predictions for 2016
Wrapping our 2015 #YearInReview series, Tom looks back at 2015 and outlines 10 predictions for 2016 that includes better formative assessments, dominance of Chromebooks and the adoption of micro-credentials.