All three are exactly alike really. They are merely different modes of transportation, designed to take people and/or products from one place to another -- from Point A to Point B.
Yet, they each have a niche and those who serve their niche well thrive.
Done properly they can complement each other and the overall economy is the better for it.
The same is true in education. Virtual, blended and traditional. Public, private and charter. Choose any three you like. Alternative, home-based, homeschool. The words are interchangeable. Each is merely a different mode of educating the young. Each has a niche to serve.
Those who understand their niche, cater to it, design for it, market to it, and serve it properly will thrive. Imagine though if each mode of education complemented each other rather than competed against one another.
What would learning look like then?
houston@figment-consulting.com
Showing posts with label alternative ed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative ed. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Start with a better question
If you want a good answer then start with a better question.
We ask students, "What do you want to do for a living?"
The result? Life today as we know it.
What if we began asking students, "What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead?"
I wonder where their imaginations would take them? I wonder how they might see things differently? I wonder what life would look like?
houston@figment-consulting.com
We ask students, "What do you want to do for a living?"
The result? Life today as we know it.
What if we began asking students, "What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead?"
I wonder where their imaginations would take them? I wonder how they might see things differently? I wonder what life would look like?
houston@figment-consulting.com
Monday, September 16, 2019
A blank sheet of paper . . .
In 1974 Marty Sklar had just been promoted to creative leader of Walt Disney Imagineering -- the creative force behind the theme parks and other guest experiences. At the time Walt Disney World in Florida had just opened and EPCOT Center was on its way (Disneyland in California was in operation). Over his tenure as the leader, it grew to eleven theme parks across the globe on three continents.
Back to 1974 though. In one of his first meetings, Sklar set out a black piece of paper in front of the Imagineers who had gathered for the launch.
"There are two ways to look at a blank sheet of paper," Sklar told the creative team. "It can be the most frightening thing in the world because you have to make the first mark on it. Or it can be the greatest opportunity in the world because you get to make the first mark -- you can let your imagination fly in any direction, and create whole new worlds!"
If a blank sheet of paper were placed in front of you, how would you see it? Answering that question can make all the difference in the world as to what you may or may not create moving forward.
Back to 1974 though. In one of his first meetings, Sklar set out a black piece of paper in front of the Imagineers who had gathered for the launch.
"There are two ways to look at a blank sheet of paper," Sklar told the creative team. "It can be the most frightening thing in the world because you have to make the first mark on it. Or it can be the greatest opportunity in the world because you get to make the first mark -- you can let your imagination fly in any direction, and create whole new worlds!"
If a blank sheet of paper were placed in front of you, how would you see it? Answering that question can make all the difference in the world as to what you may or may not create moving forward.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Socialization in virtual schools
Virtual schools scratch their heads because they point to all of the field trips (virtual and in-person), clubs, and activities they offer as evidence of plenty of opportunities to socialize.
And yet "socialization" continues to be a problem for virtual schools. In response, virtual schools typically offer more field trips, more clubs, and more activities to try to solve this dilemma.
Socialization is defined as "learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group, or community."
What if the parents say "socialization" but have a different definition in mind?
In my Virtual School Manifesto: Nine Essential Ingredients for a Successful Virtual School, I make the argument that students (and parents) are not seeking socialization. Rather, they are searching for what I term connectionalization.
One of my Essential Ingredients is for virtual schools to become Human Connection schools. Rather than focus on socializing, focus on connecting students.
Connecting is intimate, personal.
Socialization occurs in the all-class meetings. Connecting occurs in the hallways. It's organic, viral, and student-crafted.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat -- they all succeed because they help people connect. Virtual schools can and should do the same thing -- help students (and families) make connections.
Students want a place to belong. Belonging occurs when connections are made.
Don't add another field trip. Instead turn your field trips into connecting opportunities.
houston@figment-consulting.com
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