As we emerge from the shadows of the pandemic, it is tempting to believe that the challenges faced by schools are behind us. However, the reality is that education continues to grapple with the effects of what can be described as a permacrisis—an extended period of instability and insecurity resulting from a series of catastrophic events. While the specific circumstances may vary, the themes discussed in these articles remain relevant and pertinent for schools to consider in the present moment.
Join us as we delve into the Great Dispersion, the tensions between brand and product, and the opportunities for innovation. Let us embrace the evergreen lessons from these discussions and work together to shape the future of education, even in the face of persistent instability. The permacrisis may be ongoing, but with the right strategies and mindset, schools can navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to meet the needs of learners in our ever-changing world.
I’m really excited to discuss post-Corona and how it can inspire all of us to help our schools to innovate during these uncertain times. In re-reading this book, I have realized it would be better if we focused our first conversations on two chapters of the book in particular: Chapter One: COVID & the Culling, and Chapter Four: Higher Education.
Chapter one creates a context for COVID from a business perspective, and although it is sometimes hard for us to reconcile, all of our schools are businesses alongside being educational institutions.
Consider:
- What dispersion looks like in education and how we can help our schools adopt practices in response to this?
- How does the transition from the brand age to the product age affect independent schools?
- How can we borrow from the examples of companies like Uber and Airbnb to make our schools more effective?
Chapter 4 takes a closer look at higher education and how the pandemic has exposed some of the weaknesses of this “business model.” Additionally this chapter talks about how the pandemic has created opportunity for growth through innovation.
Consider:
- How is the K-12 space ripe for disruption?
- Do large endowments foster or stifle innovation within independent schools?
- What are the disruptive forces in K-12 education, and do they scale?
Highlights from participants of the ATLIS reads series
The Great Dispersion and Education's Future
The conversation begins with a focus on Chapter One of "Post Corona," which centers on creating context for the business perspective of the pandemic. While it may be challenging to equate educational institutions with businesses, Kwaku reminds us that schools indeed operate as businesses alongside their role as educational entities. As such, understanding the concepts in the book can shed light on how to adapt education to the changing world.
A central concept discussed is the "Great Dispersion." The "cohort of vulnerability" caused by the shift towards a gig economy and the potential dominance of behemoth companies like Amazon raise concerns about smaller educational institutions facing the risk of being crushed under these giants. However, it is essential to explore both the negative and positive aspects of this disruption.
The Negative Impact of the Great Dispersion
The fear of smaller educational institutions struggling to compete against larger players such as Amazon is a significant concern for many educators. The rise of online education platforms and the ease of access they provide have the potential to draw students away from traditional educational settings. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote learning, allowing tech-savvy companies to gain a foothold in the education sector. These large corporations have access to vast resources and can invest heavily in cutting-edge technology, attracting a significant number of students and customers.
Moreover, some argue that the focus on profit margins and market dominance may lead to a decline in the quality of education. Smaller educational institutions, which often prioritize personalized learning and student development, could find it challenging to maintain their unique educational approaches when faced with the pressure to compete with industry giants.
The Positive Potential of Disruption
However, not all is bleak in the face of the Great Dispersion. Kwaku encourages educators to see the disruption as an opportunity to reassess their value proposition and align their offerings with the evolving demands of the public. As the market landscape shifts, educational institutions have the chance to reinvent themselves and focus on their core strengths, offering niche educational experiences that large corporations may not be able to replicate.
Moreover, the pandemic revealed the potential benefits of blended learning models that combine in-person and online education. The demand for flexibility and convenience in education is increasing, and educators can capitalize on this trend by offering diverse learning pathways that cater to different preferences.
As the discussion unfolds, it becomes evident that the Great Dispersion poses both challenges and opportunities for the education sector. The potential dominance of large corporations like Amazon may threaten smaller educational institutions, but it also prompts educators to rethink their value propositions and adapt to the changing market demands.
Education's future lies in embracing disruption and finding innovative ways to cater to the needs of learners in this rapidly evolving world. By doing so, educational institutions can position themselves for success in the post-COVID era, staying true to their mission while adapting to the demands of the digital age.