Ideas worth spreading

Online learning could change academia -- for good

1,721,205 views | Tyler Dewitt • TEDxMIT

Higher education remains rooted in rigid, traditional structures and tracks -- and it's at risk of getting left behind in favor of expanded access, greater flexibility and tailored learning. Educator Tyler DeWitt explains how innovations in digital content and virtual reality are ushering in the future of learning, emphasizing why academia must adapt to this new reality and embrace an approach to education that works with students' needs -- not against them.

Higher education remains rooted in rigid, traditional structures and tracks -- and it's at risk of getting left behind in favor of expanded access, greater flexibility and tailored learning. Educator Tyler DeWitt explains how innovations in digital content and virtual reality are ushering in the future of learning, emphasizing why academia must adapt to this new reality and embrace an approach to education that works with students' needs -- not against them.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxMIT, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Tyler DeWitt

Technology-driven science educator

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Tyler DeWitt recognizes that textbooks are not the way to get young people interested in science. Instead, he teaches science by making it fun and fantastical.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxMIT, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.