Better than nothing

Clayton Christensen in Disrupting Class says disruptive technology in the classroom will not just enhance the classroom experience, but fundamentally change the way we learn. Right now the way computers are used in many classrooms across the country do little more than enhance what is already being done in person by a teacher (or are rarely used, as described by the NYC public school teacher). Since many schools are stuck in the current teacher, student, learning, and assessment paths, a place where real innovation can be introduced will be in areas of current nonconsumption: places where learning is not taking place at all. Several of these include: homeschooling subjects, pre-K learning, AP courses at schools, and courses that were never offered or are being cut because: 1) there isn't enough demand by students 2) there aren't qualified teachers and/or 3) standardized testing is forcing several subjects out of the school.

Courses not offered include Advanced Placement Classes, Foreign Language courses, and (more and more) the arts. As there are no teachers or resources for these classes to be provided in the traditional way, online and digital coursework can provide a better alternative to nothing. The lack of these courses presents a unique opportunity to fill a void in a new way. A great example is Apex. Apex claims to provide "active learning experiences" that "keep students attentive and engaged as they read, watch, listen, inquire, write, discuss, and manipulate. Multimedia tutorials provide students with opportunities to explore and understand new concepts, allowing each student to move at his or her own pace." Since the lack of course availability presents no competition or comparison with any better teachers, courses, or model, it allows systems such as Apex to create this new type of education that can tailor itself to the learning style and pace of learning of each individual student, as well as work within the budget of a school or district. Before it fundamentally changes education as we know it, these types of courses will allow students to learn hundreds of new languages, and regain the lost classes in the arts.