I just read a great article in the latest EduCause Review by Peter Smith, “Of Icebergs, Ships, and Arrogant Captains.”

“By itself, technology cannot save us.”

He describes the coming disaster if we don’t change in order to educate all Americans more effectively. The tools already exist, as well as a key convergence: the extraordinary capacity of technology, demographic forces, and new knowledge about learning. If we combine these three, we can ride their synergy to a new world of higher ed.

He uses Cal State University, Monterey Bay as an example, describing how they use an outcomes-based curriculum and require demonstration of technical literacy. He notes that they have successfully unbundled the traditional functions of the teaching and learning process.

When he looks into the future, he sees all learners carrying with them a “mobile transcripts,” one that is effectively assessment-based and reflects the reality of what the learner can do and learn.

I like the broad understanding he reveals about the potential of harnessing these powers (tech, demographic forces, cognitive science) and the potential cost if we don’t move and move quickly.

Definitely provocative.


  ¶ 2:56 PM