Customization

I have been noticing just how everything is being customized these days. I went to check out the new Droid phone from Verizon and their pitch to me was that the phone was a sand box and I got to create my castle just how I wanted it. No two phones would be alike - it would be a reflection of my interests and thoughts and patterns. I also visited a make-up counter at the mall looking for some eye make-up and eye cream. I could not simply pick one out and be on my way like before; instead, they blended colors and ingrediants according to my skin color, type and tone to create my very own eye make-up and cream.

In education, we are slowly coming to realize that we need to customize our teaching strategies and lessons to reach more students. We certainly give lip service of "meeting the needs of all students." Since I continue ot be an optimist, I am seeing some gradual fulfillment of that goal in a meaningful way. After reading Libby's blog, I see this as (and yes, this is also absolutely wishful thinking) becoming more and more one of the main functions of education in the future. Our whole world is becoming a "made to order" society - people are demanding such customization. And where it may be needed most is education. So perhaps the future of education will embrace more creativity to allow for students to express and be evaluated on their talents. Maybe we will base all their assessments on the talents and skills they present to us - Their choice... Their future...Their education...made to order exactly how they want it and how they deserve it.