Entire schools are dedicated to teaching skills like learning how to create video games, whether it’ s to boost brain power and multitasking skills, or to learn applied physics as they do at the New York school Quest to Learn. The idea is that the process of learning that skill can be put to use in the real world.
Watch for: State and nationwide assessments taking into account skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
What these trends mean
Given the growing momentum of these trends, what does it mean for students, teachers, schools, and the education community at large?
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Collaborating and customizing. Educators are learning to work together, with their students, and with other experts in creating content, and are able to tailor it to exactly what they need.
Critical thinking. Students are learning how to effectively find content and to discern reliable sources.
Democratizing education. With Internet access becoming more ubiquitous, the children of the poorest people are able to get access to the same quality education as the wealthiest.
Changing the textbook industry. Textbook publishers are finding ways to make themselves relevant to their digital audience.
� Emphasizing skills over facts. Curriculum incorporates skill-building.
EXPLORE: BIG IDEAS, CULTURE, DIGITAL TOOLS, TEACHING STRATEGIES, GUIDE TO THE FUTURE SCHOOL