Opportunities to Challenge our Students

As I mentioned previously, I began attending workshops at T+L in search of examples for challenging students to engage, to think critically and to be reflective. I have indeed found one such possibility revealed in Apple's research for ACOT2

Why Our Schools Need To Change

As I listened to Karen Cator of Apple, Inc. present her case for why schools need to change, I didn't hear anything especially new. We must keep pace with Global Competition, Global Interdependence, Workplace Innovation, Ubiquitous Information and Student Experiences. However, what she suggested certainly supported the vision of eDCSD. Imagine a school that is mobile (anyplace, anytime); that expects students to collaborate, innovate and problem solve across curricular lines; that harnesses students time in and out of school by applying the "social" tools to academia.

Enhancing Both Virtual and Physical Classrooms

All my conversations with students around why they stay in school, any school, and why they feel successful boils down to two essentials:

1) Somebody cares if I am here or not
2) What I am doing during school has some sort of relevance to me

Challenge Based Learning leverages the social-emotional connection while coupling relevant curriculum with 21st Century skills. The framework is truly that of the scientific method requiring students to work collaboratively to craft a solution to an essential question with a global theme. Much like an R & D lab, there are many solutions; thus fostering innovation. Problems are real and solutions are published (including personal student reflections) bringing authenticity and relevance to the work.

I contend, Randy Pausch, that this approach could indeed help students to judge themselves recognizing both their talents and abilities while providing an opportunity to strengthen their shortcomings. Furthermore, why would one want to "hide" when contributing to something that is important to them....