I have been thinking about the idea of outcomes-based education: we make a list of desired outcomes and students do whatever it takes to meet them. In non-technology days that meant that they could listen to the teacher and read the textbook as part of a large group of students.. I googled “outcomes based education” and found the Bundaberg Curriculum Exchange, which said: “Lessons can now be directed towards assisting students in developing specific identified outcomes (per syllabus) utilizing whatever context we believe best suites outcome development and student interest.”

Think about the power of that statement…we have the ability to truly reach every student in the way that suits them and the content most effectively. We might incorporate online elements or a print textbook or a video…the list is ever expanding as technology changes. What frustrates me is when someone asks the question, “Is online learning going to replace schools?” It isn’t an either/or question…schools will incorporate online learning to some extent, many of them already have. Technology should expand our choices not limit them.