Takeaways From Virtual Learning Conference
from “The Shift Is On: iNACOL Conference Attendees Inventing the Future of Learning” by Tom Vander Ark
Education Week
October 25, 2012
Six Trends. We saw the following six trends at Virtual School Symposium 2012, the iNACOL conference:
1. Creative tools and schools that will leave behind outdated models for new ways to teach and learn.
2. Competency-based learning was big at #VSS12. See iNACOL’s online community Competency Works for more.
3. Personalized learning backed by big data is around the corner with the help of adaptive systems, background assessments, and easy-to-use tracking systems. Benefits will include increased student agency, higher engagement and improve outcomes.
4. Educational choice was discussed but with a new twist–digital learning is redefining stale debates on choice and replacing it with conversations about customization.
5. Bring your own device (BYOD) is a growing solution for schools looking to turn the budget crisis into a budget opportunity. More than 30 percent of attendees at the session “You’re Already BYOD” featuring Riverside Unified School District said they were using BYOD policies in their school or district.
6. Rethinking systems and reimagining what schools and classrooms look like in the future when you put this list together. Keynote speakers Monday morning shared some effective ideas for education innovation.
