DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
The word disruptive has a negative notion in education at least for teachers. This would relate to students disrupting the class who are seen as nuisance and bothersome. But unconsciously we are using disruptive technology as teachers to assist us with our tasks. There are so many disruptive technologies that we are using which have broken the traditional and mainstreams of doing things.
A simple example of this disruptive technology is that has taken major cities is the use of modern technology in fetching taxis. I’m sure you have heard about Grab and Uber. Calling a cab or taxi can now be hassle free by using application that allows people to book their rides just like a hotel r oom.
Michael Horn writer of Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, defines disruptive technology as an innovation that transforms an existing sector or creates a new one by introducing simplicity, convenience, accessibility, and affordability, where before the product or service was complicated, expensive, and inaccessible.
How does disruptive technology relate to education? Here are some of the examples of disruptive innovation in education.
The Internet This for me is the greatest invention of the 21st century. It has introduced change in various field like communication, entertainment and has become an invaluable tool for learning and education. The internet allows access to a wealth of knowledge they have replaced the encyclopaedias and the libraries. Research has become a lot easier for everyone because of the internet.
Alternative School Models The Open High School Program of the Department of Education is an alternative mode of secondary education that uses distance learning for K12 education. This program caters to students who face difficulties and challenges to attending the regular class program due to physical impairment, work, financial situations, distance of home to school, and other reasons. Meanwhile, there are also a number of Higher education institutions that provide distance learning such as the University of the Philippines Open University.
Technology has taken education to a different level. Technology made students dependent on search engines and educators have often complained that it made students become lazy and their creativity and critical thinking is compromised because of the availability of gadgets and devices. Technology itself can be disruptive to the learning of the students. Use of technology if not directed and guided in a class will not result in useful information and learning.
Despite the technological advancement of today, ultimately the role of the teachers in learning will always be inevitable. With the rapid advances in technology, education is changing faster than teachers can keep up. Technology should be viewed by teachers as a tool that makes their tasks easier. Teachers should guide students how to use available technology to facilitate learning. These disruptive innovations in education will provide an opportunity for educators to reassess, plan and shape how the learners of the 21st century and perhaps start an education revolution.
— oOo— The author is SST I at Dolores National High School