More on Computerized Learning

A good follow-up to my review of Disrupting Class by Clayton Christensen, Curtis W. Johnson and Michael B. Horn. This book was about our education system but, I think, holds lessons for business as well.

Jay Cross’ thoughtful examination here is based on his many years of experience with e-learning in corporations. He defines the critical difference being push vs. pull learning. Pull learning involves and active learner on a journey of conversation and discovery. Great guidelines for those looking to use computers to improve learning (not just automate it).

21st Century Skills

There was an editorial in the Boston Globe yesterday about “The Value of Teaching 21st Century Skills” that has set off a firestorm of comments, mostly negative. The writer, Maura Banta, sets out the view:

That is why the debate over the value of teaching students so-called “21st century skills” is baffling. These skills include problem-solving, financial and business literacy, global awareness, and innovation. A vocal minority disregard them as “soft skills,” others recognize them for what they truly are: the number one job requirements for anyone interested in success after high school. Read more

Clay Christensen on Disrupting Class

I just finished Disrupting Class by Clay Christensen, Michael Horn and Curtis Johnson. As a big fan of Christensen’s work on disruptive innovation, I was excited to read this book and was not disappointed. Here are the high points from my perspective:

The current system of education was designed to provide an education to large numbers of people. As our society industrialized, education went from being an individualized activity Read more