An innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers or systems like K-12 education operate. Disruptive technologies sweep away the processes they replace because they have attributes that are significantly superior.
We live in a world where changes are the norm — and they are happening at a pace that is often mind-boggling.
Some changes are thrust upon us:
- Inflation / Consumer Price Index changes
- New Taxes
- Daylight Savings Time
… while other changes may be optional:
- EVs (Electric vehicles)
- Seasonal coffee flavours at Starbucks (still have to try the pumpkin spice latte)
- New slip-on shoes without shoelaces (these seem like a great new idea, but are they cool?)
When its technology we’re talking about, change typically occurs because the new tech is faster, more user friendly or perhaps even cheaper:
- LIGHT BULBS … replaced candles
- AUTOMOBILES … replaced the horse & buggy
- CALCULATORS … replaced the slide rule
- The INTERNET … replaced encyclopedias
In all of these cases the technology change was DISRUPTIVE — the new tech replacing, or disrupting, the existing technology. Transition to the new tech was slow and somewhat predictable over time.
Today, there is a new disruptive tech that is sweeping the planet — and it has been an overnight sensation. Hundreds of millions of users ‘signed on’ in just a couple of months. It has both captivated the world and at the same time created a bit of fear with its insurgence.
Welcome to ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
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The Power of Why 
Critical digital literacy becomes more important. Research on the net has always been, “is this misinformation and how do I check? Often AI does not carry citations of where information originates, so we need to reinforce getting information from various sources to constantly fact-check. The digital world teaches us to take nothing at face value. Teachers also need to be aware that, “How do you know?” is a question that needs to be encouraged from students and not taken as impudence.
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Couldn’t agree more. Digital literacy, critical thinking and student personal responsibility continue to be at the forefront of how we work with and engage with students. Thanks for the comments.
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