Education Nation: Six Leading Edges of Innovation in Our Schools

About the Book

From the Inside Flap
Education Nation

"Imagine an 'Education Nation, ' a learning society where the education of childrenand adults is the highest national priority, on par with a strong economy, high employment, and national security. Where resources from public and private sources fund a 'ladder of learning' for learners of all ages, from pre-K through 'gray.' Where learners take courses through the formal institutions of high-quality schools and universities and also take advantage of informal experiences offered through museums, libraries, churches, youth groups, and parks as well as via the media."
--from the Introduction

Education Nation offers a dynamic vision for a new world of learning. This groundbreaking book draws on author Milton Chen's extensive experience in media--from his work at Sesame Workshop and in public television to his twelve years as executive director of The George Lucas Educational Foundation. Throughout the book, Chen clearly shows how to "put the edge into education" and revolutionize learning through innovative classroom practices and uses of technology.

Chen explains how six leading "edges" of innovation are challenging the inadequacies of our current education system amidst today's technologically sophisticated world. These edges include The Thinking Edge, The Curriculum Edge, The Technology Edge, The Time/Place Edge, The Co-Teaching Edge, and The Youth Edge. In this digital age, the number of new ways to teach and learn is ever-expanding and includes: laptops and handheld devices, wikis, interactive classroom tools, open source curricula, teacher-parent communication platforms, video-sharing, "serious games," social media, and GPS devices. Education Nation offers myriad examples from The George Lucas Educational Foundation's Edutopia Web site of films, articles, and resources, illustrating ways technology positively impacts student learning. As a result of constant innovation, learning is no longer limited by traditional confines of schedule, location, and isolation. A new Education Nation embraces a new age of 24/7/365 learning, with students at the center, supported by teachers, parents, and community mentors.

From the Back Cover
Praise for Education Nation

"I strongly believe that education is the single most important job of the human race. I'm very excited that Education Nation is adding to the tools we are giving educators and many others to make change in their own communities."
--From the Foreword by George Lucas, founder and chairman, The George Lucas Educational Foundation

"This book provides an outstanding overview of where we stand in the history of learning technologies, what current initiatives are most promising, and what challenges and opportunities we face in the near future."
--Christopher Dede, Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"How fortunate we are that Milton Chen has decided to share the lessons he has learned along the way on his incredible learning journey. As we just begin to unlock the methods of teaching our kids in a 21st Century context, this book should be embraced by every caring educator and parent who wants to do right by our kids."
--Gary E. Knell, president and CEO, Sesame Workshop

"Milton Chen is a visionary and global leader in education. Emphasizing creativity, technology-enabled learning, project-based intellectual adventures, and social/emotional intelligences, Education Nation encompasses the well-being of the whole child and the major shift to student-centered learning. Chen is a masterful storyteller and collaborator. His ideals continue to inspire and push our own boundaries to do what is right to help kids--and to never give up."
--Susan Patrick, President and CEO, International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)

"Milton Chen has had an extraordinary perch for learning how media and technology can spark innovation and redefine teaching and learning. Education Nation provides a new vision of what is now possible, with vivid examples from real schools."
--Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor at Stanford University and co-director of the School Redesign Network