Disruptive Technologies and Educational Change

Cherae L. James

June 20, 2016

EDLD 590

 

Disruptive Technologies and Educational Change

 

            Christensen says that “a disruptive innovation is a technology that brings a much more affordable product or service that is much simpler to use into a market. A disruptive technology, or technological enabler, is a new technology that unexpectedly displaces an established technology, but only if it is accompanied by an innovative business model. According to the video, the enabler is generally cheaper, simpler, smaller, and frequently more convenient to use, such as personal computers and cell phones. A disruptive innovation is one that brings to market products and services that are much more affordable, and, in the end, much higher in quality. Also, it improves a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically by being lower priced or being designed for a different set of consumers.  Other important features Christensen highlights in the video are the timing and appropriateness of the innovation at the time it is being implemented, which can jeopardize its effectiveness from the beginning.

                I feel as though teachers more than ever have a vital role to play in helping students realize their futures by providing them with instruction that gives direction and allows them to hone their new cognitive and technological skills.  In high-performing schools, technology is used on a regular basis. Teachers access Internet resources, incorporate online tutorials for students who need extra help, and incorporate educational video games. For these teachers, technology doesn’t sit idle in the classroom; rather, it enhances instruction as a tool, just as a pencil or chalkboard did in past generations. Elementary teachers, for example, might use short video clips to provide students with visuals to help elucidate concepts and bring relevancy to a lesson.   One phenomenon that will contribute significantly to this transformation of schools is "disruptive innovation.” As earlier defined, Christensen describes disruptive innovation as "the process by which an innovation transforms a market whose services or products are complicated and expensive into one where simplicity, convenience, accessibility, and affordability characterize the industry." In this process, a product or service first takes root in simple applications at the bottom of a market, geared toward people considered "nonconsumers." It then moves up the market ladder, eventually displacing established competitors. 

I believe that this theory can make a huge impact on schools.  For disruptive innovation to begin to make a significant impact for real transformation, our schools must focus on student-centered learning instead of teacher-centered instruction. When teachers view their role as facilitators of learning and focus more on the students, they can begin to customize instruction based on each student’s need, using technology as an important delivery vehicle. They will be able to handle larger classes while paying attention to students’ different learning needs. Students will use computers to access online programs that allow them to learn at their own pace.  When learning becomes more personalized, I believe that teachers will have the primary responsibility of arranging the mastery of 21st century skills that students need to be successful, such as leadership, team building, and various types of literacy skills. With this shift from teaching educators will be in a better position to prepare students for lifelong learning in a technological world and better prepare students for college and a demanding workforce.