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DisruptED TV – A conversation about the future of learning

A largely decorative image, it is a screenshot from the video of the interview. I'm laughing at something and the logo of DisruptED is in the bottom corner.

About this

The DisruptED is a network designed to bring together educators celebrating stories of disruption and innovation! Created by amazing educators here in Aotearoa, it brings together the voices in education in an informal network. They have a range of publications, videos, blogs and events. My colleague Maggie Cassidy and myself talk about our amazing Future of Learning project – funded by the Ministry of Education

I’ve been working with Maggie Cassidy on an exciting initiative funded by the Ministry of Education called the “Future of Learning,” which grew out of a research piece we started in 2021 to ensure we didn’t lose the vital lessons learned during the pandemic.

We wanted to showcase schools that were already “smashing it” by making learning super accessible and flexible, treating hybrid learning not as a temporary crisis response, but as a permanent part of their DNA that allows students and whānau to access education regardless of whether they are on-site or off-site.

Our project highlights that successful outcomes are driven by a human-centered approach that prioritizes student agency, well-being, and strong community connections, while ensuring that both English and Te Ao Māori educational perspectives are represented to create more inclusive and resilient learning environments.

My 5 Key Takeaways:

  • Hybrid Learning is the New Normal: It’s not just about online classes; it’s about creating a system where learning is continuous and accessible to students and whānau at any time or place.
  • Success Rests on Three Pillars: To truly succeed, schools must focus on well-being (maintaining relationships), learning architecture (the systems and platforms used), and learner agency (giving students the power to lead their own learning).
  • The Power of Te Ao Māori: Principles like the flax bush (harakeke) metaphor show that students thrive when they are enveloped by their community and whānau, rather than being isolated in a traditional, westernized school structure.
  • Consistency Reduces Friction: We found that having consistent, school-wide protocols for how students access their learning is vital; students shouldn’t have to struggle with different platforms for every subject.
  • The Future is Already Here: My biggest fear is people getting left behind because they don’t understand these shifts, so it’s essential for leaders and teachers to catch up and embrace these tools to support their communities

Watch the whole interview below: