In the modern age of education, we are confronted with a changing landscape, the likes of which we have never seen before. The way that information is transmitted and accessed is far different and more dynamic than it has been at any point in history. But for some reason, almost all institutions adhere to the same teaching patterns that were developed for the old framework of learners.

Something has to change.

Jeff Jarvis, a journalist who believes in the concept of revitalizing the learning experience, spoke to this point recently at TEDxNYED, a TED event focused on the role of technology in the future of education. Jarvis speaks on the faults of a system of lecturing to students that was created for the Industrial Age—learners are viewed as products of an assembly line with memorization equated to real learning. It’s like there is a regimented formula for success with a checklist of knowledge that will eventually translate to success.

But we are no longer in an Industrial Age. Jarvis speaks of the Google Age that we are in now, information at seemingly every turn. When certain pieces of information are literally seconds from our knowing with the advent of mobile technology and increasing internet speeds, is there really a need to memorize certain things that were deemed as important generations ago?

He spoke of Google itself, who looks for “non-routine problem-solving skills” when searching for potential employees. These are the skills that we should emphasize, encouraging students not to “learn stuff,” but instead to “make stuff.” The end product of academic institutions then becomes not a diploma (something that has almost become arbitrary in some professional fields) but instead a portfolio of things that the student has created. This is a far more efficient way to exhibit a graduate’s ability and desires.

Jarvis stresses, “education is a process, NOT a product.”

So what is the new system of teaching? How will institutions adapt to the changing landscape of learning? Check out the video and leave comment below.

http://www.buzzmachine.com/2010/04/18/this-is-bullshit-my-tedxnyed-talk/

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