I doubt he cares but I am in with Mark Zuckerberg’s focus on the personalization of education. That Mark (not this Mark) surely gets more attention for his views, but mine were formed far before that Mark ever touched a computer. My interest in individualization goes back to my first research interests in mastery learning and eventually to my opinion of how best to use technology in education.
Here is what I do not get. Why does Mark (Bill Gates) seem to think the vision we share must somehow be implemented outside of traditional public schools. Why are they using their vast financial resources to fund alternatives as a way to push this agenda (see The Prize)?
Maybe the answer is that they are impatient and believe existing schools discount their vision for reasons of self-protection. Like so many stereotypes, this perspective is always true of some people – teachers and administrators in this case. I consider myself a supporter of traditional schools and value more individualization. I see value in multiple instructional tactics and also see value in group work to develop social and cooperative skills.
The “my way or the highway” approach to modifying education is destructive and has politicized the process of change. The examination of how we all best meet the needs of individual learners has become mixed up with positions on unionization, what fuels the U.S. economy, and who should make money in providing resources to learners. Too many people with self-serving ideas and impatient personalities are trying to force or protect agendas that are destructive.