Tracy Hanson

Global

I have spent 35 years in education searching for a way to bring success and enjoyment back to learning for students and teachers . We are seeing glimpses of pockets of change in all parts of the world, but systematic change is usually no further then the boarders of their state or country. Recognition of the need for change is not new, as Sir Ken's Ted Talk of 2006 on “Changing education paradigms” brought it into focus. He not only identified why change was needed but how. He also presented “ Schools Kill Creativity” in 2009 “Bring on the Revolution” in 2012.
My goal over the past 5 years has been to introduce my vision to other visionaries who are changing how education looks and are willing to embrace it. Most reform programs begin to address only part of what needs to be changed and leaves other failing pieces still in place. History shows they are bound to fail as well.
Now it is a realization that IT and our Net Generation are forcing into focus the use of Open Educational Resources that is stopping the textbook monopoly. Project Based Learning and Extended Learning Opportunity type reality based assessment will slowly replace the ineffective standardized tests. The education system is beginning to get on “the train” of this type of reform because it is in danger of being left back at the last century's “station.”
What will it take to see the momentum for traditional education move into the 21st century? As they saying goes, “divided we fail, united we stand”. Change comes when there is a mass educational movement to unite for reform. What is the intended outcome? What can schools and students hope to gain? How will the establishment get there?
Traditional education can get there if it decides to have self directed, creative, motivated global citizens who are career or college-ready prepared to lead us through the 21st century. By developing programs like Personalized Learning Pathways or Goals it will help create effective change. PLP recognizes that education must take into account that all children do not learn the same way, at the same rate, or for the same reasons.
Research indicates that children are born with an innate desire to learn. That when they enter the traditional educational system, we take over their learning by telling them what to learn, when, and how to learn it. Now with the internet, the proper use of technology, open educational resources, collaborative learning opportunities

  • Work
    • CEO of Next Generation Global Education
  • Education
    • MEd in curiculum and instruction and in elementary administration