As technology proliferates our world, finding the solutions to tomorrow’s problems will require a society of Knowledge Workers whose main contribution is the deep understanding they possess to help solve complex problems. It will be essential that people are true masters in their respective subject area. How do they get there?
As machines and software proliferate our world, the solutions to today’s problems as well as those we’ll face together in the future require us to create a society of Knowledge Workers: people whose main capital and contribution to society is the knowledge they possess to help solve complex problems. These include people such as educators, doctors, scientists, engineers, lawyers, accountants, and entrepreneurs.
So the question for educators becomes: what type of learning model do we need to successfully develop tomorrow’s knowledge workers?
The answer is one that functions on two critical levels:
1. It must facilitate not just achievement as recognized by GPA, but true master of subject matter
2. It must meet students and teachers where they are - with the flexibility to support a vast array of learning styles and time constraints
Mastery cannot truly happen within the confines of the classroom itself. This isn’t for lack of effort or resources. It’s a product of the fact that people are different, learn at different paces and require different types of materials and levels of support to achieve mastery. In addition, educators’ available time is fixed, while the needs and schedules of students are highly variable.
To truly master their classes and build upon those learnings to maximize knowledge and understanding of a subject matter, students require a blended learning approach in which the classroom experience is complemented by online learning tools outside the classroom - a hybrid of traditional education and new technology that enhances efficient learning while increasing deep comprehension through techniques, such as personalization and collaboration
What tools are needed for this to happen? For one, a place to share ideas and help each other understand deeply. A place where students and educators can collaborate and learn from each other as they seek fresh perspectives on topics they seek to master -- whether they’re from the same school or across the world.
This model not only offers students and educators a better opportunity to supplement what they learn and teach in the classroom, it offers society a solution that will ensure students and educators, no matter what stage of life they are in, are able to engage in lifelong learning in a way that is simpler, more efficient, and more productive.
Teachers and technology -- working together -- can prepare students to succeed as part of the future Knowledge Economy.
In this session, educators will learn how online platforms can help students study deeply and efficiently outside the classroom using tools that are collaborative and personalized.