Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools by Heather Staker (with co-author Michael Horn), is a practical field guide for implementing blended learning. While grounded in Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation, this dynamic reference book will not be easily outdated. Real-life examples, clear learning models, and sensible advice for all stakeholders implementing blended learning make the book more than just a one-time read. In short, Staker articulates both a vision and plan that empower next-generation learners and reenthrone teachers as coaches and mentors.

 

00:15   Intro to Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools

00:45   The wave of our educational future

00:55   Intro to Heather Staker, Founder and President of Ready to Blend

01:15   Also wrote companion book, The Blended Workbook (2017)

02:45   Book based on Clayton Christensen’s theory of “disruptive innovation”

03:40   Sustaining vs. disruptive innovations

04:25   Disruptive innovations offer a new value proposition and improve over time

05:10   What blended learning is and what it isn’t

05:45   Disrupting Class (2008) by Clayton Christensen, Michael Horn, and Curtis Johnson

06:00   Online learning, a technology enabler, poised to disrupt traditional class

07:00   Accessibility gives online learning its foothold

08:00   Key to academic achievement and overall well-being

08:50   First time disruptive technology has entered K-12 since the printing press

10:40   “Paris” metaphor can help persuade stakeholders to embrace blended learning

11:50   Focus on the “why” of redesigning schools 

13:00   Efficiency: technology enables the blended approach

14:40   Agency: students no longer passive, sit-and-get learners

15:35   Inhumanity of current model: teachers now free to be individual mentors, coaches

17:00   Occasionally, pre-convinced parents advocate for blended learning

18:00   Online courses can fill a gap when no other option is available

18:45   Using electronic devices in school can meet some resistance

20:30   Nuanced rules for using electronic devices

21:35   Who are the teachers adopting blended learning?

22:25   Learning models (station & individual rotation, flipped) breathe new life into the classroom

22:40   Some teachers pioneer flex model, moving as “guide on the side”

23:20   Cage-busting leaders can drive online learning vision forward

24:25   Going after the “low-hanging fruit” in your educational environment

25:00   Educators: look for non-consumption areas (where there’s nothing at all)

26:00   Parents: implement after-school options, create flexible in-class arrangements

28:30   Common pain point: teachers feel replaced

30:25   First, articulate outcome (What student experience do you want?)

31:20   Students given control and accountability for own active learning

33:30   Teachers’ new role (just now being articulated) includes coaching

34:45   Benefits extending beyond the classroom

35:35   Equipping students with complexities yields lifelong learners

36:10   Risk: exposure to technology and virtual destinations not in learners’ best interest

36:30   Turning lifelong learners into “long life” learners

37:30   Recommendation: “Cool Facts” app (~12K fun, nonessential facts)

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