Intersection or Traffic Circle

Educational reform is what Sir Ken Robinson continues to call attention to during his Keynote speeches. Why does he continue on this soapbox? Well as he views it, the educational system in place today, which boasts the same hierarchy of values it touted since its origin which is based on the values of the industrial revolution and is in desparate need of change.

Why? Because it only meets the needs of a portion of students and continues to place value on only right brain activities that the majority of industries value. This continues to put our society at risk of the absence of innovation and creativity. Below is a link to his Keynote at the recent TED Conference held in Monterey, CA. His fabulous wit escorts you quickly through some very valuable insights into thinking, learning and creativity.

http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=ken_robinson&flashEnabled=1

But what about providing opportunities for students who don't fit into a traditional classroom. You know, those students who need to do and not just read about doing, in order to learn, and more importantly, understand concepts. The premise upon which "Schools of Choice" were built. What do we need to do to educate people on the value of those types of learning opportunities for leaners?

In Chapter 12 Koschmann, there is acknowledgment of the notion of the value of schools of choice as it related to CSCL, but how do we implement these theme centered learning communities effectively? Will it take systemic educational reform to be the catalyst that finally educates parents, school boards and communities on the benefits of school of choice type opportunities?