In the past, learning has been largely confined to schools—physical spaces with a fixed schedule and teachers who take on all, or most of, the responsibility for educating students. Learning outside of school has taken place in settings that often cost money, rely heavily on technology, or require a flexible family calendar, which has made them far more available to those with substantial economic and social capital. Additionally, the learning, creativity, and initiative that take place outside of school, such as at home or with communities, often go unnoticed by our current education systems. These patterns persist in spite of the fact that it is more possible than ever to learn anywhere and at any time. This calls for schools to redefine themselves so that all young people can learn beyond the walls of the physical school building, and teachers, families, community members, and other important figures in a young person’s life can become important sources for rich learning. 

Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages

Anytime, anywhere learning can help meet the unique needs of learners. It means that learners who need or want to dedicate additional time to a task are able to do so. It also means learners can choose to work at times or in places where they can be most engaged, receive additional support, or easily attend to personal responsibilities. Anytime, anywhere learning also reflects changes taking place in the workplace, including an increase in remote work and gig work. These changes stem from a shifting economy and technological advances for which schools must prepare young people. In many ways, anytime, anywhere learning helps prepare young people for life beyond graduation by allowing them to acquire and apply a range of skills and knowledge in real-world contexts. 

This Leap Means…

  • Learners and their families engaging in learning when and where it works best for them.
  • Learners acquiring and applying skills and knowledge in real-world settings outside the school building.
  • Learners interacting with people, other than teachers or school staff, who support their learning in real-world settings.

‘A‘ohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau ho‘okahi [All knowledge is not taught in the same school]

M.K. Pukui (Hawaiian proverb)

Examples

Career and Technical Education from Brooklyn STEAM Center (Grades 11-12)
The Brooklyn STEAM Center is a career and technical education model that immerses high school scholars into industry workplaces where they learn through distinct pathways and real-world, project-based learning experiences.

Place-Based Education from TSS Place Network (Grades K-12)
The Place-Based Education model connects learning with the ecological, cultural, and economic context and community that surround it to increase student engagement, boost academic outcomes, and impact communities.

Samuel Everett School of Innovation (Grades K-12)
Samuel Everett School of Innovation pairs the homeschool experience with support and academic guidance from the local school system, allowing learners to work at their own pace and receive 1-to-1 guidance at home from parents.

The Modern Classrooms Project (Grades PK-Higher Ed)
The Modern Classrooms Project empowers educators to meet every student’s needs through its blended, self-paced, mastery-based instructional model.

Transcend is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates nationally.