Caryn's Synthesis of Disruptive Innovation Theory

CARYN'S PERSONAL REFLECTIONS on "Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education Is The Future" by Clayton M. Christensen and Michael B. Horn

WARNING: This blog post is simply my note-taking and thinking on the required reading article.

What I underlined that got me thinking:
- Computers installed in classrooms in the US in the last 2 decades haven't "transformed the classroom" and their use has not "boosted learning." They have only added a heavy price tag to the existing system. (paragraph 12)

- "An organization's natural instinct is to cram the innovation into its existing operating model to sustain what it already does." (paragraph 13)

- Instead, technology can be used to transform the classroom when it does not "compete against the existing paradigm or serve existing customers" but rather "targets those who are not being served..." (paragraph 14)

- Potential of learning software modules: "Parents and teachers will be able to diagnose why children are not learning and find customized instructional software written to help students who closely match their children in learning style." (paragraph 25)

My Thoughts:
Caryn's Synthesis of Article - It seems to me that "Disruptive innovation theory" in education means finding an area of curriculum that a school cannot or does not yet offer and then start at that point for implementing the use of technology. For example, any remedial or advanced course, or any language class not normally offered can be first offered via an online option. Once the technology successfully meets the new need, it will grow to become a fully-functioning program which is user-friendly and meets the needs of the target group.