This documentary expanded my view of education and the rapid change in educational systems. The transition away from the “white collar” system of instructional education to challenging students in exploratory activities for their own learning, is vital for initiating success in the future within evolving society. It was interesting to not only witness the conceptual learning but also the personal growth of all students involved. The learners developed their own skills of leadership, collaboration, adaptation and resilience which are abilities that are not as prominently produced through textbook and content learning in the current model of school.
A main theme I witnessed in this film is the idea of defining what it means to be successful. Part of transitioning to an innovative, inquiry, conceptual and collaborative based learning is understanding that it will have different outcomes and learning goals to base success on. I believe that working toward a model of education alike High Tech High will be effective in creating leaners who are competent in making their own decisions and producing their own goals. Adaptation to change was a main challenge faced by High Tech High with resilience and questioning from parents and with working to shift the mindset of learners to redefine successful learning. I think that the feeling of affirmation that comes with high grades and what is traditionally defined as “academic success” is a mindset that limits educational evolution.
