Students learning in a away that meets their particular learning style needs as discussed in the article Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education is the Future was an interesting concept. I found it intriguing because as a teacher for a combined grades 5 & 6 Humanities class at very small school (currently I have 6 students) there is an expectation that learning for each child is individualized.  This is a huge task. I am busier with 6 students than I was when I had 24.

So how does the teacher become the mentor and learning coach that tailors learning to each individual student while working within the confines of the typical school day?  Where does the time for that kind of planning and preparation come from? Is there an expectation that the structure of school would also change to allow for this model?

I wish they had fleshed out their examples of disruptive innovation more. I am left with the idea that online learning is an example, but there is no evidence that the way the online classes are structured alter the current model in any way. The online course could simply require students to read a text and answer questions as the sum of all learning experiences.

On another note, I really liked reading that adding computers or technology does not necessarily increase test scores because it made me think of another expectation: adding technology makes students more organized. I find this a very odd expectation since my experience has been that a child who is disorganized with their stuff also has a disorganized laptop!