iNACOL

Viewpoint: Expanding students’ networks

By:

September 20, 2018

In a recent video interview with Frederick Hess on AEI’s Viewpoint, Julia Freeland Fisher talks about her new book, Who You Know: Unlocking innovations that expand students’ networks. Julia explains her research on why networks matter as part of the opportunity equation for all students, and how new education technology tools can expand students’ web of whom they know—especially for students who otherwise lack access to mentors in the knowledge economy. If students’ networks are an important factor in ensuring their success in life, is students’ social capital something schools today measure or even consider? How might we better design schools to help students foster more relationships with caring, expert adults? Tune into this conversation to learn how Julia’s book addresses these key questions and more.

Julia is the director of education research at the Clayton Christensen Institute. Her work aims to educate policymakers and community leaders on the power of disruptive innovation in the K-12 and higher education spheres. Be sure to check out her book, "Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students' Networks" https://amzn.to/2RIqwOk.