13 - From Schools to Learning Ecosystems

Summary

Schools can achieve a lot by fully exercising their powers and autonomy, but schools cannot do it all alone. Schools are part of ecosystems which support a wider range of learning opportunities. Different kind of ecosystems are developing in education. Knowledge sharing ecosystems grow from think tanks, foundations and multilateral agencies who develop and disseminate new knowledge about education and learning. Innovation ecosystems develop when cities and regions intentionally create the conditions for educational innovation, through new funding sources, catalysts and platforms for exchange between educators, communities, policy and business. Finally, and most imporantly, nascent learning ecosystems exist wherever learners can access formal and informal learning opportunities through a range of providers including schools, NGOs, higher education and employers. Learning ecosystems truly emerge where these opportunities are linked and connected by platforms or credentialing sysems, allowing for richer and more cumulative learning. Several such learning ecosystems are now developing through intentional efforts in cities and regions around the world.