The Fourth Disruption

The fourth disruption in education according to the report Recombinant Education is “Customizable Value Webs”.  The definition for this disruption is, “Innovative, open business models will leverage complex networks of assets and relationships to create ultra-customer –centric experiences across industries.” Harkening back to an earlier disruption as a starting place, this disruption will leverage the “edupreneurs” and the companies they create to help parents, teachers and schools create a customizable learning experience for students.  Schools (and parents) will be able to match their student’s interests, ability level and learning style and create a learning experience customized to the student.  This disruption will allow schools (and school districts) to form partnerships with outside organizations that will lead to a more individualized educational experience for students.  

I believe that the biggest challenge for public education will be to recognize this disruption and respond accordingly.  Schools will be able to cost effectively coordinate learning experiences for students.  If a school wants to create a “focus” or form their own identity  (for example a school that focuses on play, or the environment, or politics, or social justice) they will be able to spend their scarce resources on providing those experiences centered on their focus while accessing quality learning experiences for their students.  Maybe school districts will allow their schools to form their own identity (or focus) so parents and students in the school district have more “choice” in their educational options.  Either way, schools must recognize that learning experiences can be enhanced and managed differently.