Why school?

Will Richardson, in his recently delivered TEDxMelbourne speech, outlines the imperatives for keeping school relevant in a world of abundance.

Five realities that we have to face if schools are to stay relevant

1. Content is everywhere - why do we still ask questions at school that could be answered in an instant given access to technology? Schools continue to restrict access, especially to mobile devices, but in the 'real world'.
2. Teachers are everywhere - students can ask questions through a blog written by the author of the book they are reading , learn how to do almost anything through YouTube and build their own PLN.
3. Data is everywhere - systems will be made which track individual progress and deliver the best, most personalised curriculum to that student to allow them to learn most efficiently.
4. Networks are the new classroom - learning can be accelerated when students follow their interests and connect with others using technologies.
5. We can do it anywhere - mobile technologies allow learning to take place anywhere at any time.

We don't really need school to do school if we define school in the traditional sense. 

The value of school is obviously well beyond the 'measurable' knowledge gathered through narrow content focused tests. Building relationships, learning from others face to face, sharing real experiences in sport, music, drama and everything else that happens in schools will always be valuable - but the sit down learning?

Teachers need to be master learners.