Getting Smart How Digital Learning is Changing the World

Learning is easier, faster & cheaper than ever before, and technology is transforming education. In this book global education expert Tom Vander Ark explores the facets of educational innovation in the US and abroad. Part I. Chapter 1 outlines the innovation-driven world young people will inherit. Chapter 2 looks at what students need to know and be able to do and delves into their blended lives that seamlessly combine online and onsite learning. Chapters 3 and 4 paint pictures of the "smart tools" and schools that will prepare students for the innovation economy and electronic democracy. Part II explores the lives of learning professionals, the role of universities, and learning opportunities at home and on the job. Chapter 5 outlines the new employment bargain and new employment opportunities for teachers. Chapter 6 takes a close look at online universities. Chapters 7 and 8 look at the smart school and new approaches to teacher & administrator training and development, including "just-in-time" learning. Part III deals with money and politics. Chapter 9 makes the case for smart capital: impact investing, public-private partnerships, and blended capital ecosystems. Chapter 10 advocates for policies that encourage people to learn more, faster and cheaper. Chapter 11 explores smart cultures starting with dinner table conversations. Chapter 12 outlines the smart future-building the civic capacity to solve the monstrous problems we've created. The Getting Smart tools integrated throughout the book offer practical resources on a variety of topics-including how to incorporate online learning into your school and classroom.

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).