Journal 05

Christensen & Horn , C (2008).Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education Is the Future. Edutopia. August 08,

The article “Disrupting Class “ explains that “…the key to transforming the classroom with technology is in how it is implemented.” The mere presence of computers in a classroom does not always mean learning is going on. Typical computer applications are not always beneficial or understood by learners but “… a disruptive innovation extends its benefits to people who, for one reason or another, are unable to consume the original product…” Disruptive Innovations is defined as a product ( e.g. computer application) “…that is not as good as that which companies are already selling..” but “..take root in simple, undemanding applications..” and because of their simplicity benefit more people who were unable to “…consume the original product-so called non-consumers.” Since disruptive innovations is simpler it can be used to better “…implement computer-based learning in a way that transforms the classroom into a student-centric one…”
At first this article appeared nonsensical to me. How can disrupting a class be the future of education. Upon reading further I began to understand that “Disrupting Class” meant companies often accidental development of simpler computer products often not as good as the original may “… implement computer based learning in a way that transforms the classroom into a student- centric one…” These disruptive innovations can
improve the way “…students learn.”

1. Is computer based learning as reliable as classroom instruction?
This may depend on the students themselves. As there are different modes of learning( e.g. tactile, audio, visual.. etc.) the computer alone may not offer the best learning method for a student. It certainly can be another tool but many students would like actual teacher-student contact. Perhaps a combination of the two would better serve a students learning environment.

2. Would smaller classes be more beneficial to the “ non-consumers”?
Online learning is an innovative instructional method but to really reach those “non-consumers” I believe an actual classroom with lower teacher-student ratios
could be more beneficial. Individual attention with immediate teacher-student feedback , I believe, is the most effective method of instruction. Primarily this would apply to grades K-12. College level students , however, should be able to
manage Online Instruction without difficulty.