Getting Smart: How Digital Learning is Changing the World - Hardcover

Vander Ark, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1118007239 ISBN 13: 9781118007235

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2011

Synopsis

A comprehensive look at the promise and potential of online learning

In our digital age, students have dramatically new learning needs and must be prepared for the idea economy of the future. In Getting Smart, well-known global education expert Tom Vander Ark examines the facets of educational innovation in the United States and abroad. Vander Ark makes a convincing case for a blend of online and onsite learning, shares inspiring stories of schools and programs that effectively offer "personal digital learning" opportunities, and discusses what we need to do to remake our schools into "smart schools."

• Examines the innovation-driven world, discusses how to combine online and onsite learning, and reviews "smart tools" for learning
• Investigates the lives of learning professionals, outlines the new employment bargain, examines online universities and "smart schools"
• Makes the case for smart capital, advocates for policies that create better learning, studies smart cultures

About this title

About the Author

THE AUTHOR

TOM VANDER ARK is CEO of Open Education Solutions, a partner in Learn Capital, and blogs daily at www.GettingSmart. com. Previously he served as president of the X PRIZE Foundation and was the executive director of education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom was the first business executive to serve as a public school superintendent. Tom is also chair of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL).

From the Back Cover

GETTING SMART

"I am convinced that there is an amazing new world of education right around the corner engaging learning experiences for students, an exciting future for learning professionals, and productive options for families. This book is also a call to join me as an advocate for innovation in learning as the key to lifting the achievement of U.S. students and reaching the next billion young people worldwide."
FROM THE PREFACE

Our digital age has prompted the need for radical new ways of learning that touch students, teachers, and parents. In Getting Smart, well-known global education expert Tom Vander Ark examines the various facets of educational innovation in the United States and abroad. Vander Ark a former business executive, school superintendent, and foundation director makes a convincing case for a new model of education that blends online and on-site learning. Vander Ark explains that through the use of technology it is now possible to provide 24/7 access to learning and increase student engagement. This new model can be cost effective, even doubling productivity for students who are struggling. By customizing learning teaching the right way at the right level each hour of learning can become more effective for all students at all levels.

Throughout this inspirational book, Vander Ark shares real-world stories of schools and programs that offer effective "personal digital learning" opportunities. In addition, Getting Smart spells out a vision of what it will take to transform our schools into "smart schools" that blend models, extend learning, and leverage community resources.

From the Inside Flap

GETTING SMART

"I am convinced that there is an amazing new world of education right around the corner—engaging learning experiences for students, an exciting future for learning professionals, and productive options for families. This book is also a call to join me as an advocate for innovation in learning as the key to lifting the achievement of U.S. students and reaching the next billion young people worldwide."
—FROM THE PREFACE

Our digital age has prompted the need for radical new ways of learning that touch students, teachers, and parents. In Getting Smart, well-known global education expert Tom Vander Ark examines the various facets of educational innovation in the United States and abroad. Vander Ark—a former business executive, school superintendent, and foundation director—makes a convincing case for a new model of education that blends online and on-site learning. Vander Ark explains that through the use of technology it is now possible to provide 24/7 access to learning and increase student engagement. This new model can be cost effective, even doubling productivity for students who are struggling. By customizing learning—teaching the right way at the right level—each hour of learning can become more effective for all students at all levels.

Throughout this inspirational book, Vander Ark shares real-world stories of schools and programs that offer effective "personal digital learning" opportunities. In addition, Getting Smart spells out a vision of what it will take to transform our schools into "smart schools" that blend models, extend learning, and leverage community resources.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1118007239
• ISBN 13: 9781118007235
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240