online education<\/a> and the evolution of education technology. NeXT focused heavily on selling computers specifically for education. They only sold about 50,000 computers, and by many standards, that constitutes failure. But in retrospect, the modern world of technology would look very different without the formation of NeXT. A NeXTcube workstation would form the inspiration for the first web server and web browser software. What many considered failure at the time gave us the tools we take for granted today. That’s the kind of risk taking and innovative spirit we need in education.<\/p>\nInnovation Can Produce Failure<\/h3>\n
The problem with introducing innovation into the current education model is that folks are so afraid of failure that innovation seems too risky. It’s true. Innovation can lead to mistakes. Steve Jobs said, “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.” This inherent understanding that innovation can result in occasional mistakes is what allowed Jobs so many great successes. The willingness to try for greatness requires this kind of attitude. But if we remain fearful of real innovation in education reform, it’s unlikely that we’ll encounter real workable post-industrial solutions for a pre-industrial education system.<\/p>\n
Learning to Measure Success Differently<\/h3>\n
Most of the conversations that folks have about Steve Jobs dwell on his financial success and the marketing genius behind Apple’s iconic brand. But the extent to which his financial failures managed to create an environment that helped usher in our modern digital world shows us that we need to measure success differently. What success means in education is often such a narrow view that focuses strictly on education outcomes. That means that innovation that could result in better learning and information retention tends to be neglected in favor of essentially teaching to a test. Until we step back and have a serious conversation about what really constitutes success, it’s hard to see that changing significantly.<\/p>\n
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